Trial Date Set for Watertown Man Accused of Rape and Child Pornography
- Steve Jurrens
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A Watertown man facing multiple felony charges, including third-degree rape and the manufacture of child pornography, is scheduled to stand trial in early 2026 following a grand jury indictment.
Dustin John Dolney, 43, appeared in the Third Judicial Circuit Court, where a jury trial was set for February 12, 2026. The scheduling follows a months-long legal process that began with Dolney’s arrest in September 2025.
Investigation and Arrest
The case originated on September 27, 2025, when Watertown Police Department officers were dispatched to a bike path near Dempsey’s Pub. According to police reports, officers discovered a 17-year-old female, identified in court documents with initials only, lying in tall grass. Officers noted the minor was highly intoxicated and appeared to have blood on her person.
Investigators linked the minor to Dolney after learning he had contacted police earlier that day to report she had assaulted him. During an interview at his apartment—located approximately 370 feet from where the victim was found—Dolney reportedly admitted to inviting the minor over and providing her with alcoholic beverages.
Evidence and Indictment
During the investigation, Dolney showed a sergeant several videos on his phone. One video allegedly depicted the minor standing completely naked, while another showed Dolney and the minor lying on a bed. Dolney claimed he recorded the footage to prove the minor stated she was 21 years old. He further admitted to “messing around” with her and confirmed that after she left his apartment without her clothes, he disposed of her clothing in a nearby trash bin.
While Dolney was initially charged by complaint, a Codington County Grand Jury formally indicted him on October 2, 2025, on the following charges:
· Rape in the Third Degree (Class 2 Felony): Alleging sexual penetration with an individual incapable of giving consent due to intoxication.
· Manufacture of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony): Regarding the creation of a visual depiction of a minor engaged in a prohibited sexual act.
· Possessing Child Pornography (Class 4 Felony): For the knowing possession of such depictions.
Dolney pleaded not guilty to all three counts during his October arraignment.
Court Proceedings and Bond
Magistrate Judge Gary Schumacher found probable cause in the case and set bond at $20,000 cash. As a condition of his release, Dolney is prohibited from having any direct or indirect contact with the victim and must remain at least 1,000 feet away from her. He is also barred from having unsupervised contact with any minors.
A status hearing is currently scheduled for February 4, 2026, ahead of the jury trial later that month.
