RAPID CITY, SD — Today, Seventh Circuit Judge Joshua Hendrickson sentenced 30-year-old Matthew Hade to 10 years in the South Dakota State Penitentiary for Aggravated Assault (Domestic Violence). This sentence will run consecutively to a 27-year sentence Hade previously received in Meade County for violating his probation from a prior rape conviction.
Hade committed this latest assault in October 2024, while still on probation for that rape. The probationary sentence was meant to give him an opportunity for rehabilitation but instead, he reoffended, brutally attacking a new victim.
According to testimony, Hade became enraged with his 19-year-old girlfriend when she confronted him about communicating with an ex-girlfriend. During the assault, he punched her, threw a weight at her, and strangled her multiple times, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. Her testimony was corroborated by evidence at the scene, statements Hade made to law enforcement, and visible injuries consistent with her account.
Both victims, the survivor in this case and Hade’s previous victim, spoke during today’s sentencing. The two women embraced as the sentence was read, a moment that underscored both the pain and solidarity of survivors of domestic violence. The prior victim told the court that it broke her heart to know another woman suffered after he was allowed to remain free on probation. The survivor in this case spoke through tears, saying the assault and ongoing pattern of abuse have changed her: “I have panic attacks… the trauma did not end when the relationship did.”
Assistant Chief Deputy State’s Attorney Jason Thomas told the Court that the defendant has “proven he will not change and cannot be trusted to refrain from harming women” and urged the court to impose a 20-year sentence with five years suspended to protect the public and hold Hade accountable.
Aggravated Assault (Domestic Violence) is a Class 3 felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine. Because Hade is a habitual offender, the potential maximum penalty increased to 25 years.
This case was prosecuted on behalf of the State by Senior Deputy State’s Attorneys Rachel Lindsay and Olivia Siglin.