RAPID CITY, S.D. — Six members of the Mitchell American Legion Post 18’s varsity baseball team have officially been charged with rape in a Rapid City courtroom.
The teenagers appeared in front of a judge Tuesday morning in Pennington County where all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
The suspects were joined by dozens of supporters.
Landon Waddell, 19; Hudson Haley, 18; Karter Sibson, 17; Carter Miller, 17; Lincoln Bates, 18; and Peyton Mandel, 17, each pleaded not guilty to the second-degree rape charges they were indicted on in early August.
One of the suspects’ attorneys asked Seven Circuit Judge Robert Gusinsky to clarify whether he could attend school and school activities. Landon Mandel’s lawyer asked that he be allowed to go to school, as well as participate in basketball and other extracurricular activities while on bond.
The defense says Mandel has not been allowed in school as the other teens have and would like that amended. Peyton Mandel goes to the same school as one of the alleged victims. The judge ruled Mandel can attend school, but must stay 30 feet away.
The defendant can also participate in basketball and other activities, as long as the victim isn’t involved. Mandel is allowed to attend school events, like football games, as long as he stays 100 feet away from the alleged victim.
Another request by the attorney for Landon Waddell asked for a modification to his bond, which was granted. He will now be allowed to travel with his family over the holidays.
The case first made headlines in June, when the Mitchell Baseball Association suspended the team and canceled several games shortly after a tournament in Pennington County, which is where the alleged crimes took place.
All six suspects are scheduled to be back in court on February 6, 2024.
If convicted, they face a maximum prison sentence of 100+ years.
