Watertown Woman Sentenced to Prison in Child Pornography and Solicitation Case

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A Watertown woman was sentenced to prison Wednesday following a series of felony charges involving the distribution and possession of child pornography, as well as criminal solicitation.

Gracie Ann Stanton, 20, appeared before a South Dakota judge on January 28, 2026, for a final sentencing hearing. The proceedings concluded a case that began with a multi-count indictment in early 2025.

Court records indicate that Stanton faced a massive indictment with more than 70 counts. In September 2025, Stanton reached a plea agreement with the State, pleading guilty to several key charges while the prosecution dismissed dozens of others.

The final judgments included:

·        One count of Distributing Child Pornography (Class 3 Felony)

·        Ten counts of Possessing Child Pornography (Class 4 Felonies)

·        Five counts of Criminal Solicitation of a Class 3 Felony (Class 4 Felonies)

Sentencing Breakdown

The court handed down a tiered sentence that balances immediate incarceration with significant suspended time.

·        Distribution Charge: Stanton was sentenced to 10 years in the state penitentiary, with 7 years suspended. She received credit for 17 days already served.

·        Possession and Solicitation Charges: For each of the remaining 15 counts, she was sentenced to 5 years in the penitentiary, with 4 years suspended on each count.

According to the judgment, the sentences for possession and solicitation will run concurrently (at the same time) with each other, but consecutively (one after the other) to the primary distribution charge.

Restitution and Conditions of Release

In addition to prison time, the court ordered Stanton to pay $2,500.00 in restitution for the distribution charge. She was also ordered to cover various court costs, surcharges, and a $95.00 fee for the digital forensic fund related to the examination of phone evidence.

Upon her eventual release from the South Dakota State Penitentiary, Stanton will be subject to strict conditions:

·        She must abide by all rules and regulations set by the South Dakota Board of Pardons and Parole.

·        She must complete and pay for a psycho-sexual evaluation.

·        She is required to reimburse the county for the cost of her court-appointed attorney.

Stanton’s incarceration period officially began on January 28, 2026.