RAPID CITY, SD – A Rapid City man has been sentenced to ten years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary after pleading guilty to charges of child abuse and bestiality.
Brian Johnson, 42, entered guilty pleas in March as part of a resolution intended to protect the young victim from the trauma of testifying in court. Prior to the plea agreement, Johnson faced multiple charges, including sexual contact with a minor, solicitation of a minor, and cruelty to animals.
Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Jason Thomas told the Court that this resolution was not an act of leniency, nor was it the result of insufficient evidence, which he said was “profound and undeniable.” “The trauma inflicted upon the victim is severe and lasting. The defendant’s actions demonstrate a complete disregard for his parental responsibilities and basic human decency,” Thomas said.
The offenses occurred during the winter of 2023. At sentencing, Seventh Circuit Judge Robert Gusinsky described Johnson as a “continuing threat” and called the emotional and psychological damage to the child “just unbelievable.”
Johnson received the maximum sentence for both charges. The sentences are to run concurrently. Child abuse is a Class 4 felony, punishable by up to ten years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Bestiality is a Class 6 felony, carrying a maximum sentence of two years in prison and a $4,000 fine.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Jason Thomas.
Under the direction of State’s Attorney Lara Roetzel, the Pennington County State’s Attorney’s Office prosecutes approximately 8,000 misdemeanor and felony cases annually for the county’s 114,000 residents. Additionally, our Civil Division handles diverse legal matters, including general litigation, appeals, mental health commitments, abuse and neglect cases, drug and alcohol commitments, and more. With a staff of 70+, the office is dedicated to crime prevention, public education, and ensuring the safety of Pennington County residents.
