Watertown Man Indicted on Child Pornography and Eavesdropping Charges

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A Watertown man faces felony child pornography and misdemeanor surveillance charges following a grand jury indictment in Codington County Circuit Court.

Johnny Leroy Gloe, 48, was indicted by a Codington County Grand Jury on Oct. 1. He faces 18 counts in total:

·         One count of manufacturing child pornography (Class 2 felony)

·         14 counts of possessing child pornography (Class 4 felony)

·         One count of window peeking (Class 1 misdemeanor)

·         Two counts of trespass with intent to eavesdrop or subject a person to surveillance (Class 1 misdemeanor)

According to court affidavits filed by the Codington County State's Attorney's Office, law enforcement became involved on Sept. 16 following a family dispute. Investigators learned that a minor female residing at Gloe's home discovered a hole in the ceiling above her bed, where she believed she was being recorded.

A search of Gloe's cellphone revealed a video in a hidden folder, recorded from outside the residence at 100 block 14th St. NW in Watertown through a bathroom window. Court documents state the video showed the minor female inside the bathroom, and the recording concludes by turning around to reveal Gloe filming.

Gloe was arrested on Sept. 28 after a Sept. 24 arrest warrant was issued. A grand jury returned the indictment on Oct. 1, superseding the original complaint.

A $15,000 surety bond was posted on Oct. 8 through Dakota Bail Bonds. Under the conditions of the bond order, Gloe is prohibited from having contact with minors and was required to sign a waiver of extradition.

Gloe is represented by court-appointed defense attorney Amanda Marie Thole. The state prosecutors handling the case are Alison Trauba and Joseph N. Thronson.

An arraignment in the Third Judicial Circuit Court is scheduled for Nov. 18 at 1:14 p.m.