Plankinton Man Sentenced to 55 Years for First Degree Rape of a Minor

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Kody Konechne, 24, of Plankinton, has been sentenced to 55 years in state prison for the 2020 First Degree Rape of a minor in Aurora County.

By Christal Blue May 16, 2025 11:03 am

Sturgis Motorcycle Rally arrests South Dakota child exploitation sting Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Project Safe Childhood federal child sex crime charges South Dakota federal arrests ICAC operation Sturgis online predator sting DOJ child exploitation crackdown Sturgis Rally law enforcement South Dakota sex crime penalties multi-agency child exploitation investigation 10-year minimum federal sentence South Dakota online predator arrests — Metro Services

PLANKINTON, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced that 24 year old Kody Konechne (Coney), of Plankinton, has been sentenced to 55 years in prison for First Degree Rape of a minor. The offense occurred in Aurora County in 2020, and sentencing happened Wednesday in Aurora County Circuit Court. Konechne is also serving a separate five-year federal sentence for Attempted Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The case was investigated by the Aurora County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by the Attorney General’s and Aurora County State’s Attorney’s offices. For more crime stories from MitchellNow.com, click here.

Lifestyle

11 hours ago

Bird Flu Outbreak Hits South Dakota Turkey Flocks

South Dakota is facing a major bird flu outbreak, with more than 135,000 turkeys destroyed at three facilities to contain the spread. North Dakota has also reported cases, losing over 60,000 turkeys in commercial flocks. Agriculture officials stress that poultry products remain safe to eat despite the outbreak.

Government

11 hours ago

AG Marty Jackley Launches Campaign for Congress

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has officially entered the race for Congress, launching his campaign in his hometown of Sturgis. Jackley, now in his fourth term as Attorney General, joins State Senator Casey Crabtree in the Republican primary to replace Congressman Dusty Johnson, who is seeking the governor’s office. Highlighting his conservative record, Jackley says he will prioritize public safety, border security, economic growth, and accountability in Washington while continuing to serve as AG.

Crime

11 hours ago

Huron Contractor Sentenced for Defrauding Customers

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced that Huron contractor Julio Morales-Ortiz has been sentenced for defrauding seven customers out of more than $36,000. Morales-Ortiz pleaded guilty in Beadle County Circuit Court to theft by deception, receiving a suspended 10-year prison sentence, probation, and jail time.

Government

11 hours ago

Freedom Caucus Pushes Back on $650M Prison Plan

South Dakota lawmakers will meet in a special session to decide on a proposed $650 million men’s penitentiary in Sioux Falls, but members of the Freedom Caucus remain opposed. While Lieutenant Governor Tony Venhuizen, who led the prison task force, says he’s confident in the plan’s passage, caucus members fear the price tag could balloon to $1 billion. Governor Rhoden’s office maintains the project is capped at $650 million.

Government

11 hours ago

Mitchell Plans Second Fire Station to Speed Up Response Times

Mitchell city officials are proposing a $2.5 million fire station on the north side of town to improve emergency response times and reduce insurance costs for residents. The station would be built near the old water treatment plant on Highway 37, with design work beginning in 2026 and an opening planned for 2027. City leaders say the new location will allow firefighters to reach the north side more quickly, while housing four firefighters who will share equipment with the current Public Safety building.