Sept. 11, 2025:
A Watertown woman charged with more than 70 child porn counts was in court Wednesday (Sept. 10, 2025) for a change of plea hearing.
Stanton pled guilty to one count of Distribution of Child Pornography, five counts of Solicitation of the Distributing of Child Pornography, and ten counts of Possession of Child Pornography.
The investigation began following a cyber tip received by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
Judge Dawn Elshere scheduled sentencing for Oct. 22, 2025.
Story courtesy of news partner Watertown Radio.
Feb. 19, 2025:
A Watertown woman was in court Tuesday (Feb. 18, 2025) pleading not guilty to 71 child pornography crimes.
20-year-old Gracie Ann Stanton is charged in a 17 page Codington County Grand Jury indictment handed down last week with Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography and Solicitation of the Distribution of Child Pornography. All are Class 3 and 4 Felony crimes that allegedly occurred between July and November of 2024.
At Tuesday’s hearing, Stanton’s court-appointed counsel, Amanda Thole, argued for a reduced cash bond or surety bond. She stated Stanton has been employed in animal care with the local Humane Society, has four older siblings, resides with her parents in Watertown, and is not a flight risk.
Codington County Deputy State’s Attorney Joe Thronson argued against any bond modification, stating the defendant poses a, “significant danger,” and that, “shocking images” of child pornography were found on Stanton’s electronic devices, including those of toddlers and infants.
Magristrate Judge Bob Pesall ruled bond would remain at $40,000 cash. Additional bond conditions include Stanton having no contact with children, and not possessing any electronic devices with internet accessibility.
Stanton’s trial date was set for May 22, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Dawn Elshere.
Story courtesy of news partner Watertown Radio.
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