FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   May 6, 2017    
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215

PIERRE, S.D. – Attorney General Marty Jackley and Aurora County States Attorney John Steele announced that an Aurora County jury has returned a verdict finding Christian Thomas, 43, Plankinton, guilty of twenty-six counts including Fourth Degree Rape, Sexual Contact With a Child Under Sixteen, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Aiding or Abetting Fourth Degree Rape, Aiding or Abetting Sexual Contact With Child Under Sixteen and Possession of Child Pornography.  Thomas could face up to 315 years in the State Penitentiary.  Sentencing date is set for July 5, 2017. 
Charges stem from incidents that occurred in a Plankinton residence involving two minor victims.
This case was prosecuted by the Aurora County States Attorney and Attorney General’s Office and investigated by Aurora County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation.

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