Watertown Man Indicted on Multiple Felony Sexual Offenses and Attempted Burglary Charges
- Steve Jurrens
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A 39-year-old local man is facing multiple felony indictments in Codington County. Court records indicate that a status hearing is scheduled for February 4, 2026, followed by a jury trial beginning February 12, 2026.
A Codington County Grand Jury recently returned a four-count indictment against Bernado Antonio Funez Chavez for offenses alleged to have occurred in 2023. The charges involve a minor victim who was approximately seven or eight years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
The specific charges in this case include:
· Rape in the First Degree: A Class C felony involving sexual penetration with a victim under the age of thirteen.
· Sexual Contact with a Child: Two counts of a Class 3 felony for knowingly engaging in sexual contact with a victim under the age of sixteen while the actor was more than five years older.
· Sexual Exploitation of a Minor: A Class 6 felony for allegedly permitting a minor to engage in activities involving nudity or obscenity.
This indictment was made with the concurrence of at least six grand jurors.
In a separate matter, Funez Chavez was indicted in September 2025 for an incident occurring on or about August 31, 2025. He is charged with Attempted First-Degree Burglary, a Class 2 felony.
The indictment alleges that Funez Chavez attempted to enter or remain in an occupied structure at night with the intent to commit criminal trespass.
Following the initial complaint, a notice of substitution of counsel was filed on October 7, 2025, indicating that Bratland will represent the defendant in the burglary matter. Alvarado is also listed as a witness in this separate indictment.
The state has issued a formal demand for a notice of alibi in both cases. This requires the defense to notify the court if they intend to offer a defense based on Funez Chavez being at a different location at the time of the alleged crimes.
Funez Chavez is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
