Rapid City — A man accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a teenager has been missing for nearly two decades and remains the top fugitive on South Dakota’s radar.
Long-running case, limited leads
David Allen Bonness, now 56, was added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s list of 15 Most Wanted fugitives in 2016 and still has an active arrest warrant issued by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Bonness was first sought in 2009 after the Rapid City Police Department opened an investigation into allegations that he sexually abused a girl who was 12 when the abuse began and continued through her teenage years.
Police say the victim’s mother reported concerns to authorities on Dec. 22, 2008. Officers interviewed Bonness the following day; he left the interview when asked to provide a DNA sample, and investigators secured a search warrant the next day. Since that contact in 2008, Rapid City police say they have not located Bonness.
Allegations and risks
Bonness faces a long list of charges in the case. Law enforcement describes him as potentially dangerous, especially around children, and indicates he could have fled the state or be using an alias.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Age | 56 |
| Height/Weight | 5 ft. 9 in., about 180 lbs. |
| Eyes/Hair | Green eyes, brown hair |
| Reward | $25,000 |
The criminal counts listed in court records include multiple rapes across several degrees and charges related to sexual contact with a child under 16. The U.S. Marshals and local police say Bonness has ties to Wyoming and Nebraska, but officers warn he could be anywhere in the United States and might use the known alias "David Allen Muse" or another name.
How the public can help
Rapid City Police Sgt. Spenser Braun confirmed authorities have received only a handful of tips since the initial 2008 sightings, and none have produced new information on Bonness’s location.
- Anyone with information that could lead to Bonness’s arrest is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 1-877-926-8332.
- Tips also may be emailed to usmtips@usdoj.gov.
- A $25,000 reward is available for information leading to a successful arrest.
This case remains a reminder of long-running investigations that can span decades and cross state lines. For communities in western South Dakota, it underscores continuing law-enforcement efforts to bring alleged offenders to justice and the reliance on public tips to locate individuals who have avoided capture.
Authorities ask anyone who believes they may have seen Bonness or who recognizes the aliases to contact the Marshals or Rapid City police immediately. Because the allegations involve a minor and numerous sexual offenses, investigators continue to treat the suspect as dangerous and encourage people not to approach him if spotted.
