Watertown Man Charged With Solicitation and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor
- Steve Jurrens
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A Watertown man is facing multiple felony charges after investigators in South Dakota and Idaho linked him to an alleged online solicitation and sexual exploitation case involving a 13‑year‑old girl, according to newly filed court documents.
Blake Russell Whitlock, 28, of Watertown, was arrested on May 13, 2026, and is charged with Solicitation of a Minor, Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Failure to Register Employment as a Sex Offender, according to a criminal complaint filed in Codington County Circuit Court.
Investigation Originated in Idaho
According to a probable cause statement filed by Det. Sivertson of the Watertown Police Department, the investigation began when the Meridian Police Department in Meridian, Idaho, contacted local authorities regarding suspected sexual exploitation involving a juvenile identified by initials only, age 13.
Meridian Police reported that between May 8 and May 11, the victim exchanged text messages and Snapchat communications with an adult male. Investigators say the suspect requested sexually suggestive photographs from the juvenile in exchange for money and clothing.
The juvenile reportedly sent photographs of her face and body, and the suspect referenced her braces—an indication, investigators say, that he knew or reasonably should have known she was underage.
Phone Number Traced to Whitlock
Meridian Police later traced the phone number to Blake Russell Whitlock of Watertown. Det. Sivertson confirmed that the number matched Whitlock’s information on file with the Watertown Police Department.
On May 12, Whitlock came to the police department to update his phone number, telling officers his previous number had been “compromised.” The number he changed from was the same number used in the Idaho investigation.
Investigators also noted that the suspect told the juvenile he “races,” and officers learned during Whitlock’s arrest that he works on race cars—another detail consistent with the communications.
Prior Convictions and Registry Violations
The probable cause statement indicates that Whitlock has prior South Dakota convictions for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, involving similar conduct—communicating with juvenile females and requesting inappropriate images in exchange for clothing or other items.
A review of Whitlock’s sex offender registry information showed he had not registered any Snapchat accounts, despite allegedly using one during the current investigation. The only online identifiers listed were an email address and a PlayStation 5 username.
Whitlock is also accused of failing to notify law enforcement of a change in employment, a requirement for registered sex offenders under South Dakota law.
The Codington County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following charges:
· Count I — Solicitation of a Minor (Class 4 Felony)
· Count II — Failure to Register as a Sex Offender: Written Notice of Employment (Class 6 Felony)
· Count III — Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (Class 6 Felony)
A uniform traffic ticket filed in connection with the arrest lists the same three offenses and notes that Whitlock was taken into custody.
Bond Considerations
Det. Sivertson wrote that, based on the nature of the allegations, Whitlock “presents an ongoing risk to the safety of juvenile females,” recommending bond conditions that ensure community safety and Whitlock’s appearance in court.
Whitlock is currently being held at the Codington County Detention Center on a $10,000 cash only bond.