(KXLG – Watertown, SD) A Watertown man, James R. Oleson, 33, was sentenced on May 5th in a child abuse case dating back to March 1, 2017. According to court documents from the South Dakota Unified Judicial System, Oleson received a 15-year prison sentence with 7 years suspended, after entering a guilty plea on February 19, 2025.
Oleson pleaded guilty to one count of Child Abuse, a Class F4 felony. He further admitted to a Habitual Offender Information, alleging that he had two prior felonies, which increased the penalty to a Class 3 Felony. Judge Carmen Means sentenced Oleson to 15 years in the state penitentiary, with 7 years of that sentence suspended. He began his incarceration on May 5, 2025.
In addition to the prison term, Oleson was sentenced to 8 days in jail, for which he received credit for 8 days already served. He is also responsible for paying court costs and a state fine totaling $604.00.
The case involved multiple initial charges, all of which were dismissed on February 19, 2025, following a motion by the State, represented by Assistant Attorney General Amanda J. Miller. These dismissed charges included Rape 1st Degree-Less Than 13, multiple counts of Sexual Contact Child Under 16 (In the Alternative), and multiple counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
Defense attorney Rick Ribstein represented Oleson. Oleson had been released on a $100,000 surety bond on March 23, 2023, prior to his guilty plea and subsequent sentencing.
