Rapid City, SD – A Box Elder man will serve 20 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a child, a sentence handed down today in Seventh Circuit Court. Brian Johnston, 58, pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree rape in a plea agreement and will serve his sentence in the South Dakota State Penitentiary.
Judge Matthew Brown rejected a request for leniency based on Johnston’s age, stating that the crime was “awful and devastating.” The judge told the defense attorney, who was concerned that Johnston might die in prison, “You deserve it.”
The abuse occurred between the ages of 8 and 12 and was disclosed by the victim in September 2023. The child’s father delivered a victim impact statement, telling the court that Johnston had “robbed my daughter of her peace.”
Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Olivia Siglin presented details of the abuse, including grooming and manipulation, calling the case “horrifying.” Siglin also noted that a search of Johnston’s phone revealed a history of searches for young-looking models and underage pornography.
The plea agreement, prosecuted by Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Rachel Lindsay, was reached to spare the child the trauma of a trial and provide a sense of finality. Attempted first-degree rape in South Dakota carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
