(KXLG – Watertown, SD) A Watertown man has been sentenced to prison for multiple sex crimes. Dakota M. Rodriguez, 25, was initially charged with thirteen counts, including multiple counts of Rape in the Fourth Degree, Solicitation of a Minor, and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor.
Following a plea deal, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to three counts of Rape in the Fourth Degree and one count of Solicitation of a Minor. The remaining charges were dismissed.
The crimes occurred between July and August 2023 in Codington County. Rodriguez pleaded guilty in May 2024.
On October 30, 2023, a judge sentenced Rodriguez to 30 years in prison, with a portion of the sentence suspended. The sentence includes:
- 12 years in prison for one count of Rape in the Fourth Degree.
- 10 years in prison for another count of Rape in the Fourth Degree, to be served consecutively.
- 8 years in prison for Solicitation of a Minor, to be served consecutively, with four years suspended.
As part of his sentence, Rodriguez is required to pay restitution for legal fees and a psycho-sexual evaluation.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault or domestic violence, please reach out to the Beacon Center for help. You can call their 24-hour crisis line at 605-886-4300 or 1-800-660-8014. https://www.beaconcentersd.com/
