Clark Man Arrested in Watertown on Child Solicitation, Attempted Rape Charges

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A 33-year-old Clark resident faces multiple felony charges in Codington County after law enforcement officers intercepted an alleged attempt to solicit and meet a 13-year-old middle school student at the Watertown Regional Library.

Watertown Police Department detectives took Chase Anthony Heer into custody on Oct. 9, 2026, in the 100 block of 7th Street NE. Court records filed Oct. 13 in South Dakota's Third Judicial Circuit show Heer is charged with:

·         Solicitation of a Minor (Class 4 Felony) under SDCL 22-24A-5

·         Attempted Third-Degree Rape (Class 2 Felony) under SDCL 22-22-1(4)

·         Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana to a Minor (Class 6 Felony) under SDCL 22-42-7

·         Purchase, Receive, Consume, or Possess Tobacco Under 21 (Class 2 Misdemeanor) under SDCL 34-46-5

Heer's initial court appearance and bond hearing were scheduled for Oct. 13, 2026, after a probable cause determination and the defense filed an application for court-appointed counsel were filed. Joseph N. Thronson and Alison Trauba of the State’s Attorney’s Office are prosecuting the case, and defense attorney Chase Anthony Heer is listed in court records alongside public defense filings.

Investigation Begins at Middle School

According to a probable cause statement filed by Watertown Police Detective Jesus Alvarado, the investigation began at approximately 9:56 a.m. on Oct. 9, 2026. A 13-year-old female student approached School Resource Officer Amy Beyl at the middle school and reported that she had been communicating on Snapchat with a male user she recently discovered was an adult.

The Snapchat account used the display name "Chase" and the username "ripd420". The user sent the minor a selfie, which officers used to identify the individual as Heer, a Clark resident.

Officer Beyl reviewed Snapchat messages dating back to Oct. 3, 2026. Court documents state the messages were sexual in nature and included statements from Heer offering to share a camper, asking if she had been with anyone older, and attempting to coordinate times to meet during weekends or after 8 p.m. on weekdays.

Undercover Operation and Arrest

Detective Alvarado contacted the minor's mother and received permission to monitor and operate the minor's Snapchat account during the afternoon of Oct. 9.

During the exchange, Alvarado explicitly informed Heer that the girl was 13 years old and actively sitting in class at the middle school. Court records state Heer acknowledged her age but continued communication, offering to purchase a THC Indica vape and a strawberry-flavored nicotine vape for her.

Heer planned to drive to Watertown after work and meet the minor at the Watertown Regional Library at 7:00 p.m.

At 6:55 p.m., Heer messaged the account, saying he had arrived in Watertown and was buying supplies. Minutes later, he communicated that he was buying condoms. At 7:22 p.m., Heer messaged that he was en route to the library meeting location.

Watertown Police Department detectives contacted Heer in his vehicle, which was parked on the east side of the Watertown Regional Library. Officers executed a search warrant signed by Circuit Court Judge Gary Schumacher. Inside the vehicle, officers located:

·         Two cell phones

·         One THC Indica vape

·         One strawberry-flavored nicotine vape

·         Condoms

·         A Walmart receipt showing a recent purchase of condoms

Legal Proceedings and Criminal History

Heer was transported to the Codington County Detention Center. While in custody, court documents note Heer inquired about bond timing, citing a work commitment the following morning. His bail hearing is set for 10/13/26 at 12:59 pm.

Prior criminal history details entered into the court record note previous charges against Heer, including invasion of privacy/trespassing in August 2011 and January 2012, possession of two ounces or less of marijuana in May 2013, and obstruction/resisting arrest in March 2024.

All criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.