PIERRE, S.D.-   Attorney General Marty Jackley announced today that a Turner County Jury has found Benjamin Thomas, 35, Centerville, guilty on one count of third degree rape, class 3 felony, punishable by  up to 15 years in the state penitentiary and/or $30,000 fine, one count of aggravated incest, class 3 felony, punishable by up to 15 years in the state penitentiary and/or $30,000 fine, one count of sexual contact with a child under 16, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in the state penitentiary and/or $4,000 fine and one count sexual exploitation of a minor, class 6 felony, punishable by up to 2 years in the state penitentiary and/or $4,000 fine.

The convictions stem from incidents that occurred at Thomas’ place of residence on November 2, 2012.

This case was investigated by the Turner County Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by the Turner County States Attorney and the Attorney General’s Office.

Following the verdicts, Thomas was remanded into custody at the Turner County Jail and a sentencing date has not yet been set.

-30-