Nathan George Rieger (DOB 08-18-1965) booking photo

Former Canadian pastor sentenced to two years in prison for sex crime

Author: District Attorney's Office
Date: 2/20/2019 4:52:56 PM

Nathan George Rieger, a citizen of Manitoba, Canada and former pastor (DOB 08/18/1965), was sentenced to two years in state prison today for arranging to meet a 15-year-old for lewd purposes in August of 2018.  Pursuant to California law, Mr. Rieger must now register as a sex offender.


On February 20, 2019, the Honorable Judge Duffy sentenced the former pastor, Nathan George Rieger (DOB 08/18/1965), to two years confinement in state prison.  Mr. Rieger was found guilty by a San Luis Obispo County jury in December, for arranging to meet a 15-year-old girl for lewd purposes, including intent to engage in sex acts.  The Arroyo Grande Police Department arrested Mr. Rieger when he arrived at the pre-arranged meeting place in August of last year.

The Canadian citizen must serve his sentence in a California state prison.  Additionally, pursuant to California law, Mr. Rieger is now required to register as a sex offender.  A treaty between Canada and the USA allows Mr. Rieger to petition to serve his time in Canada, after beginning his sentence in California. 

The case was investigated by the Arroyo Grande Police Department with the assistance of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Julie Antos.

Please contact Assistant District Attorney Eric J. Dobroth at 805.781.5819 with any questions.