South Dakota troopers arrested an Arizona man Monday after law enforcement used automated license-plate reader technology to track a vehicle tied to the abduction of a 15-year-old girl from Sundance, Wyoming, authorities said.
Cross-state response led to quick recovery
Wyoming authorities notified the state’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Monday afternoon that they were seeking a vehicle connected to the girl’s disappearance, according to South Dakota officials. Less than an hour later, troopers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol located and stopped the vehicle on Interstate 90 near the Aurora County line east of Plankinton.
Officials identified the suspect as Dalton Renollet, 36, of Maricopa, Arizona. He was taken into custody and charged in Aurora County with one count of sexual contact with a minor. Prosecutors in Aurora County will handle the South Dakota case, and law enforcement in Wyoming expects to file additional charges.
Technology and coordination credited
Attorney General Marty Jackley praised the rapid coordination among agencies and credited the license-plate reader system with helping officers locate the vehicle and bring the teenager to safety within an hour of the task force being notified.
- Victim: 15-year-old girl abducted from Sundance, Wyoming
- Suspect: Dalton Renollet, 36, of Maricopa, Arizona
- Charge in South Dakota: Sexual contact with a minor (Aurora County)
- Location of arrest: Interstate 90 near Aurora County line, east of Plankinton, S.D.
What officials say about oversight
Jackley’s office also signaled a legislative response, saying it is pursuing a bill that would create standards and oversight for law enforcement use of license-plate readers and related technologies. The proposed measures would include privacy protections and penalties for misuse, the attorney general’s office said.
Those remarks come amid growing scrutiny nationwide over automated surveillance tools. Proponents argue the systems can dramatically speed investigations and help locate missing people, while privacy advocates warn of potential overreach and calls for strict controls.
Timeline and next steps
According to the timeline released by authorities, Wyoming investigators initially worked with Utah officials because they believed the suspect might be driving the girl toward Arizona. The vehicle was ultimately identified in South Dakota through the license-plate reader network, enabling troopers to intercept it on I-90.
The Aurora County State’s Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the charge lodged in South Dakota. Wyoming law enforcement indicated additional charges are expected once investigators complete their work in that state.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification to ICAC Task Force | Monday afternoon by Wyoming authorities |
| Vehicle located | Less than an hour later via license-plate reader |
| Arrest | Interstate 90 near Aurora County, SD |
| Charges | Sexual contact with a minor (Aurora County) |
Community impact and safety reminders
The rapid recovery of the teenager will be reassuring to Sundance-area residents and families across the region, but the case also highlights the challenges of interjurisdictional investigations. Officials often rely on multiagency task forces and technological tools to respond quickly when a child is reported missing.
Law enforcement agencies generally advise parents and guardians to maintain open communication with children about travel plans and to report suspicious activity or unexplained absences immediately. When a missing-child report is made, time is critical: authorities say early notification improves the chances of a safe recovery.
Officials did not release additional details about the condition of the girl or whether she has returned home. The name of the victim has not been released because of her age. Media inquiries about the ongoing investigation should be directed to the Aurora County State’s Attorney’s Office or the appropriate Wyoming law-enforcement agency handling the case.
This story will be updated as law-enforcement agencies and prosecutors release further information.
