Sioux Falls, September 11, 2025
News Summary
Sioux Falls has recently witnessed a disturbing rise in child abuse incidents, including multiple arrests for serious offenses. A man was arrested for sending explicit materials to a minor, while two other individuals have been indicted for child abuse involving severe mistreatment of a young child. The cases have prompted community leaders to advocate for increased awareness and protective measures for children. Local authorities are working diligently to address these troubling trends and ensure the safety of vulnerable minors.
Sioux Falls Sees Multiple Child Abuse Cases Unfold
A 22-year-old man from Chattanooga, Uriel Guerra Lopez, was arrested in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for sending sexually explicit materials to a 12-year-old child. The arrest comes amid a rising number of child abuse incidents in the area, alarming local authorities and the community.
Lopez is facing several charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means and especially aggravated sexual exploitation. Investigators assert that he was aware of the victim’s age and reportedly made attempts to entice the child to produce child sexual abuse material. Currently, he is awaiting extradition back to Hamilton County, Tennessee, where further legal actions are expected to take place.
In an unrelated case, two individuals from Sioux Falls, Joshua Martin Manzanares, 37, and Samantha Leigh Maier, 26, have been indicted on multiple counts of child abuse. These encompass two counts of abuse or cruelty to a minor under the age of seven, as well as two counts of permitting physical or sexual abuse of a child. Manzanares has been indicted on an additional count of aggravated assault.
The investigations into Manzanares and Maier began after abuse reports were made concerning a child who displayed signs of trauma. The victim reported instances of abuse including spanking with a belt and severe physical restrictions that resulted in extensive bruising and abrasions on different parts of his body. Authorities were alerted to the situation through a daycare, although the reported abuse occurred at the child’s home.
The abused minor was taken into protective custody with a family member while other children in the home remained with their mother. This instance adds to the troubling pattern of child abuse cases currently emerging in Sioux Falls.
In a related case, Chelsea Struss, a daycare worker, was arrested on four counts of child abuse for her aggressive behavior towards infants in her care. Surveillance footage captured her mishandling and dropping four children who were all under one year old. Struss is currently held on a $25,000 cash bond.
Former daycare owner Ametria Christion also faced child abuse charges but accepted a plea deal, allowing her to avoid severe penalties while still being able to care for her own children.
In another troubling incident, Justin Okolo, a man from Brookings, was arrested after his 8-month-old child was discovered locked in a hot car for over half an hour. Charged with child abuse, Okolo is facing a Class 3 felony charge, which carries penalties of up to 15 years in prison.
The recent surge in child abuse incidents has prompted law enforcement officials and community leaders to call for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable children. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety and well-being of minors and to hold accountable those who threaten their safety.
FAQ Section
What charges are filed against Uriel Guerra Lopez?
Uriel Guerra Lopez is charged with sending sexually explicit materials to a minor and faces multiple charges involving child sexual abuse, including sexual exploitation of a minor by electronic means.
What were the charges against Joshua Martin Manzanares and Samantha Leigh Maier?
They have been indicted on several counts of child abuse, including abuse or cruelty to a minor and permitting physical or sexual abuse of a child.
What is the current status of the individuals involved in the recent child abuse cases?
Lopez is awaiting extradition to Tennessee, while Manzanares is facing legal proceedings following his indictment. Chelsea Struss is being held on bond, and Okolo faces a Class 3 felony charge.
Key Features of Recent Child Abuse Cases in Sioux Falls
| Individual | Age | Charges | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uriel Guerra Lopez | 22 | Sexual exploitation of a minor, sending explicit materials | Awaiting extradition to Tennessee |
| Joshua Martin Manzanares | 37 | Child abuse, aggravated assault | Indicted, awaiting trial |
| Samantha Leigh Maier | 26 | Child abuse | Indicted, awaiting trial |
| Chelsea Struss | N/A | Child abuse | Held on $25,000 cash bond |
| Justin Okolo | N/A | Child abuse | Facing Class 3 felony charges |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Couple Indicted on Child Abuse Charges
- Dakota News Now: Sioux Falls Daycare Worker Arrested for Child Abuse
- KELOLAND: Child Abuse Charge Dropped in Wildflower Academy Case
- Wikipedia: Child Abuse
- Dakota News Now: Sioux Falls Daycare Worker Facing Additional Abuse Charges
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
