STANLEY COUNTY, S.D. — A 44 year old man from Stanley County has entered “not guilty” pleas to 11 sex-related charges.
Donnie Gay Edwards is charged with:
- 1 count of Criminal Pedophilia,
- 4 counts of First Degree Rape,
- 1 count of Fourth Degree Rape,
- 1 count of Sexual Contact with a Child Under Sixteen,
- 2 counts of Aggravated Incest, and
- 2 counts of Incest.
The probable cause affidavit says the crimes involved two children and happened over the course of several years. Edwards was arrested earlier this month on more than 100 charges of aggravated incest, rape and sexual contact without capability to consent.
In court on Nov. 8, Edwards’ attorney requested the $250,000 cash bond be reduced. The judge allowed the bond to become a $250,000 cash or surety bond. If released on bond from the Hughes County Jail, Edwards must obey a variety of court conditions including (but not limited to):
- no contact with the victims
- no contact with his 2-year-old daughter or step son
- not be within 100 yards of kids under 18 years of age
- no possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs
- be subject to random alcohol or drug testing
- comply with the state’s 24/7 Program
- turn over all firearms, dangerous weapons or explosives to the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office
- follow all conditions set by the Hughes County Jail
- check in weekly with his attorney
- make all court appearances
- not leave South Dakota
Edwards’ next court date was scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023, at 9am CT.
The case is being investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation with the assistance from the Stanley County Sheriff’s Office. It’s being prosecuted by the Offices of the state Attorney General and the Stanley County State’s Attorney.
