RAPID CITY, SD. – A 23-year-old Rapid City woman was sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed under the law for attempted aggravated child abuse following a case involving life-threatening injuries to a toddler.
Katerina Wilson was sentenced to 7.5 years in the South Dakota Women’s Prison after pleading guilty to the charge. The sentence represents the statutory maximum for the offense in South Dakota.
Wilson was initially charged with aggravated child abuse, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Following a review of the evidence and legal considerations, the State entered into a plea agreement for the lesser charge.
During the sentencing hearing, Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Braedon Houdek highlighted a letter from a Department of Social Services social worker. The worker described the child’s injuries as being among the most severe they had seen in nearly ten years with the state.
The victim, a 19-month-old child, suffered multiple fractures to nearly every extremity, including his fingers. Investigators also found extensive bruising to his head, stomach, back, and genital area. Medical professionals identified indications of sexual trauma to the child’s genital and anal regions. Due to the severity of the injuries, the child required intubation for several days.
Seventh Circuit Judge Eric Kelderman described Wilson’s actions as appalling and emphasized the staggering nature of the child’s injuries. The court told Wilson she was fortunate that 7.5 years was the maximum sentence available.
Houdek said the case was extraordinarily difficult and heartbreaking. He noted that while no sentence can undo what the child endured, the agreement ensured accountability and a guaranteed prison sentence in a case that involved significant legal and evidentiary complexities.
According to the child’s current caregivers, the boy is doing well and is in a safe and stable environment. They stated that he is now in a nurturing home where his needs come first and his future can be focused on healing.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the State of South Dakota by Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Braedon Houdek and Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Adam Shiffermiller.
