(KWAT – Watertown, SD) A Watertown woman was in court today pleading not guilty to 71 child pornography crimes.
Twenty year-old Gracie Ann Stanton is charged in a 17 page Codington County Grand Jury indictment handed down last week with Possession of Child Pornography, Distribution of Child Pornography and Solicitation of the Distribution of Child Pornography. All are Class 3 and 4 Felony crimes that allegedly occurred between July and November of last year.
At today’s hearing, Stanton’s court-appointed counsel, Amanda Thole, argued for a reduced cash bond or surety bond. She stated Stanton has been employed in animal care with the local Humane Society, has four older siblings, resides with her parents in Watertown, and is not a flight risk.
Codington County Deputy State’s Attorney Joe Thronson argued against any bond modification, stating the defendant poses a, “significant danger,” and that, “shocking images” of child pornography were found on Stanton’s electronic devices, including those of toddlers and infants.
Magristrate Judge Bob Pesall (pee-sahl) ruled bond would remain at $40,000 cash.
Additional bond conditions include Stanton having no contact with children, and not possessing any electronic devices with internet accessibility.
Stanton’s trial date was set for May 22nd at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Dawn Elshere.
