S. Dakota republican representative found guilty of second degree rape of step daughters

[graywarrior]

http://www.argusleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071106/NEWS/71106052



PIERRE- The jury has found former state Rep.Ted Klaudt guilty on all four counts of second-degree rape.

A Hughes County jury began its deliberations in the second-degree rape trial of Klaudt on allegations involving two foster daughters early this evening. Word came that they had reached a verdict just after 8 p.m.

Klaudt, a 49-year-old farmer from rural Corson County, is charged with four counts of second-degree rape. The alleged victims, both foster daughters placed in the Klaudt home by the state Corrections Department, say he tricked them into allowing him to physically examine their breasts and vaginal areas by telling them he could help them make money by harvesting and selling their reproductive eggs.

Patricia DeVaney, lead prosecutor in the case, told the jury in her closing arguments that the case involved deception, manipulation and a violation of both the girls’ trust and their bodies.

“He was her foster father,’’ DeVaney said at one point. “He was supposed to protect her.’’

Defense lawyer Tim Rensch called Klaudt’s actions despicable and immoral, but he said the girls were old enough to consent to sexual activity. One did, in hopes of making money selling reproductive eggs, he said.

“Rape is not persuading someone they should do it because they can make some money,’’ he said. “It was a despicable, terrible scheme he was perpetrating on these girls, but it was not forcible rape.’’

Klaudt’s defense rested shortly before 3 p.m. after offering three witnesses. Closing arguments took most of two hours, and the jury of eight men and four women were led to the jury room.

In his opening remarks, Rensch had urged said the jurors would have to “stretch the rape laws’’ to find Klaudt guilty.

DeVaney closed by saying that wasn’t so.

“In this case, they didn’t consent to a sexual act,’’ she said. “These girls were deceived about the act itself.’’

[Bonobo]

1. It must be said. He makes Dennis Hastert look like Fred Astaire.

[AlCzervik]

2. What a disgusting fuck! Kids already in the system and they get put with this

piece of shit?

[Bobbieo]

12. chimp - you forgot to add "disgustingly "FAT"

[HCE SuiGeneris]

3. Denny Hastert's offspring?

:puke:

What a disgusting, yet oh so apropos, example of a RePuke.

[NC_Nurse]

4. Throw away the key.

:puke:

[derby378]

5. What a fucking pathetic tool

I hope he gets the sentence he deserves.

[Inkyfuzzbottom]

6. Just another example...

of those fine Repug family values!

[Historic NY]

7. Another GOP family values guy................

Grand Old Perverts.........

[tularetom]

8. Flounder!!!

[Wapsie B]

9. If there's any honor among thieves he'll get his just desserts in jail.

I was always under the impression that those who dare molest children were hated by other prisoners. I can only hope that holds true for Mr. Family Values here.

[Hoof Hearted]

10. Foster daughters, not step-daughters. Minor correction but,

Beyond that I really have no words other than ... rot. in. hell.

[williesgirl]

11. Repukes really are perverts & criminals, aren't they? This is disgusting. rec'd