Rapid City, SD – Registered sex offender Paul Coyle, 53, has been sentenced for two counts of fourth-degree rape and one count of solicitation of a minor. The victim was 13 and 14 years old during the time of the assaults.
Coyle’s history of predatory behavior spans decades. In 1991, he was convicted of raping a 12-year-old girl. His most recent crimes came to light following the brave disclosure of another rape incident in Meade County. During that investigation, Coyle not only admitted guilt in Meade County but also confessed to a year-long pattern of sexual abuse against a second young victim in Pennington County.
Houdek urged the Court to impose a lengthy sentence, emphasizing Coyle’s persistent threat to the safety of our community’s most innocent members.
Judge Joshua Hendrickson described Coyle as a public safety hazard and sentenced him to 15 years on each rape count, to be served consecutively, and 10 years on the solicitation charge, to be served concurrently.
This case was prosecuted by Deputy State’s Attorney Braedon Houdek on behalf of the State of South Dakota.
For further information or media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Katy Urban at (605) 390-1182.
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.
