PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and 60-year prison sentence of a Fort Pierre man found guilty of multiple sexual offenses against two young girls, state Attorney General Marty Jackley announced.
Donnie Edwards was convicted in August 2024 by a Stanley County jury on charges including four counts of first-degree rape, one count of fourth-degree rape, two counts of aggravated incest, one count of incest and one count of sexual contact with a child under the age of 16. He was sentenced in November 2024.
Edwards appealed his conviction, arguing that his charges involving separate victims should have been tried separately. He also contended that the circuit court abused its discretion by denying motions for a mistrial after the late disclosure of a potential juror bias and based on a prosecutor’s question to a witness regarding the defendant’s past.
The South Dakota Supreme Court, in a Summary Affirmance, rejected all three arguments raised by the defense.
“The South Dakota Supreme Court’s decision affirms the strength of the evidence and the integrity of the judicial process in bringing justice to the victims,” Attorney General Jackley said. “This prosecution and Supreme Court decision sends the message that those who prey on children will be held accountable for their actions.”
The appeal was heard last week during Supreme Court oral arguments held at the University of South Dakota Law School. The South Dakota Attorney General’s Office represented the state on the appeal.