Former Canadian pastor convicted of arranging to meet a 15-year-old for lewd purposes
Author: District Attorney's Office
Date: 12/14/2018 4:13 PM
On December 14, 2018, a San Luis Obispo County jury found former Canadian pastor Nathan Rieger guilty of arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes. Mr. Rieger was arrested on August 10, 2018 by the Arroyo Grande Police Department after he arranged to meet with what he believed to be a 15-year-old female for lewd purposes, including engaging in sex acts.
Today, a San Luis Obispo County jury has found Mr. Nathan Rieger guilty of arranging to meet with a minor for lewd purposes, a felony.
Nathan G. Rieger, (DOB 08-18-1965) a Canadian citizen and former pastor, was arrested on August 10, 2018, for arranging to meet with what he believed to be a 15-year-old female for lewd purposes, including engaging in sex acts. The Arroyo Grande police department arrested Mr. Rieger when he arrived at the meeting.
The jury convicted Mr. Rieger after a week-long trial and a half day of deliberation.
The sentencing is scheduled for January 16, 2018, in Department 1 of the San Luis Obispo Superior Court, the Honorable Jacqueline Duffy presiding. Mr. Rieger faces up to four years in state prison for the conviction.
A copy of the Information (charging document) can be found here. A copy of the defendant’s booking photo can be found here.
The case was investigated by the Arroyo Grande Police Department and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Julie Antos.
Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.
