The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced that Samuel Pieper, a former correctional officer for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, who previously pled guilty to two counts of Trafficking a Child, has been sentenced by a Walworth County judge to 10 years initial confinement and 10 years of extended supervision.

On March 6, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mr. Pieper’s residence [in Whitewater]. The warrant was the result of tips provided by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) involving suspected exploitation of children where money amounts were being transferred to suspected minors in exchange for videos or images in June and July of 2024. Mr. Pieper was taken into custody at the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Pieper was booked into the Walworth County Jail and transported to the Rock County Jail for housing. Mr. Pieper resigned his position as a correctional officer at the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office on March 6, 2025.

The ICAC Task Force at DOJ investigated this case and was assisted by the Whitewater Police Department, Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and Wisconsin DOJ Crime Response Specialists. The Walworth County District Attorney prosecuted this case.

Editor’s note: This press release was submitted to the Whitewater Banner. The original Banner article on the charges being filed against Pieper may be viewed here.