(KXLG – Watertown, SD) Jeffery J. Moran, 40, of Watertown, was sentenced on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, for sex crimes against a minor after sitting in the Codingoton County Detention Center for 762 days to a total of 175 years in state prison with 125 years suspended and credit for the 762 days sat.
Moran was facing five counts of Habitual Offender – 3 plus Prior Felony – Possession/Manufacturing or Distributing Child Pornography in which he was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for each count, equaling 50 years and the 762 days credit for time sat.
Moran was sentenced on five additional counts of Habitual Offender – 3 plus Prior Felony – Possession/Manufacturing or Distributing Child Pornography, in which he received 25 years in state prison for each count equaling 125 years, which was suspended.
Moran was also fined $3,415 in fines, court costs, and victim restitution.
This sentencing comes after the defendant requested a new trial that was tried on April 28, 2022, in which Moran was charged with ten counts of Possession of Child Pornography. The court granted the motion, citing “evidence newly discovered.”
According to court documents, the prosecution failed to give the defense analysis on four digital devices in the custody of the Department of Criminal Investigation, in violation of Brady v. Maryland, 373 U.S. 83 (1963). Ineffective Assistance of Counsel was also cited.
