Former Legislator Arrested on Rape Charges

PIERRE, S.D. - Former legislator Ted A. Klaudt, 49, of Walker, turned himself in to the Corson County Sheriff’s Office to face charges in Corson and Hughes County. The charges include 8 counts of second degree rape, 2 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, 1 count of sexual contact with a child under 16, 2 counts of tampering with a witness, and 1 count of stalking.

Klaudt is scheduled to make his initial appearance in Lawrence County this morning.

These cases are being prosecuted by the Corson County States Attorney, the Hughes County States Attorney, with the Attorney General’s Office assisting.

Copies of the charging documents for both cases are available by calling the Attorney General’s Office at 605-773-3215.