Couple accused in S.D. sex ring appear in court

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A Tea couple accused of using their home as a base for an underage sex trafficking operation have made their first appearance in court.

Brandon Thompson and his 30-year-old girlfriend, Megan Hayes, appeared Tuesday in federal court in Sioux Falls. The court found that probable cause exists in the case against the pair. They are accused of conspiring to sell the services of underage prostitutes through online ads.

Three underaged victims are mentioned in the complaint.

The 26-year-old Thompson and Hayes were arrested Nov. 20 in their home. The arrests came after a six-month investigation sparked by a tip to local police.

Authorities have said Thompson has a criminal record or pending charges in Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Tags: south dakota, sex ring, news, crime, daily updates