Burglary Charges Against Former Watertown Surgeon Dr. Alan Christensen Dismissed Without Prejudice

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The court dismissed the criminal case against former Watertown surgeon Dr. Alan Christensen without prejudice, according to a court filing signed October 5 by the Codington County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Christensen faced two felony burglary counts—First‑Degree Burglary (Nighttime), a Class 2 felony, or, in the alternative, Third‑Degree Burglary, a Class 5 felony—stemming from a June 27 incident at Prairie Lakes Healthcare System. Prosecutors originally issued the indictment on August 20 following testimony from a Watertown Police officer. Prosecutors also filed a petty theft charge in connection with the case.

In the dismissal document, prosecutors formally withdrew the indictment under SDCL 23A‑44‑2, stating the action was taken “in the best interest of the State.”

“This dismissal is being made without prejudice,” the filing reads.

State’s Attorney Explains Decision

Codington County State’s Attorney Alison Trauba said her office fully reviewed the evidence and determined the matter was better handled through civil proceedings than continued criminal prosecution.

“The case was dismissed because after a review of all of the evidence and in considering what interest the community has in a conviction, it became clear to me that this was very much able to be dealt with through the civil process,” Trauba said. “This is not the type of activity that warrants thousands of dollars in taxpayer money and time. Dr. Christensen does not pose a danger to the community.”

Background of the Charges

The charges stemmed from an early‑morning entry into Prairie Lakes Hospital’s Sanford clinic side on June 27, three days after Christensen was terminated following a surgical incident. Surveillance video captured a vehicle arriving at 1:03 a.m., followed by Christensen entering through a loose employee door. He later left with his former work laptop and pushed a locked shredding bin on a dolly.

During a July 2 search warrant, Christensen admitted to the break‑in, telling investigators he needed documents from the shredding bin near his former office. Officers recovered both the laptop and the intact bin from a shed on his property.

Judicial Recusals and Venue Change

The case had been scheduled for a two‑day jury trial in Brookings County after Third Judicial Circuit Judges Dawn Elshere and Carmen Means recused themselves, citing Christensen’s prior role as their personal physician. Magistrate Judge Abigail Howard was assigned to oversee the proceedings.

With the dismissal now filed, no criminal trial will proceed unless charges are refiled—a possibility preserved by the “without prejudice” designation.

Christensen remains a co‑defendant in a separate civil medical malpractice lawsuit involving Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Sanford Health.