WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- Franklin Clifford Wakefield II, a 35-year-old resident of Watertown, South Dakota, was sentenced on September 4, 2024, for multiple offenses, including burglary and grand theft of a firearm.

Wakefield faced several charges related to vehicle thefts in the downtown business district in early April 2024. Two firearms were also stolen, which the Watertown Police Department (WPD) later recovered.

Wakefield was identified as the suspect and subsequently arrested after an extensive investigation. He was charged with burglary, grand theft of a firearm, criminal entry of a motor vehicle, and petty theft.

In July 2024, Wakefield pleaded guilty to burglary and grand firearm theft. The prosecutor dismissed the remaining charges.

At the sentencing hearing, the following sentence was imposed:

• Burglary: 5 years in prison, suspended for five years.
• Grand Theft of a Firearm: 5 years in prison, suspended for five years.
• Fines and Costs: $500.00 fine, $50.00 court costs, and $66.50 surcharges for each count.
• Probation: 2 years of probation, with conditions including restitution, alcohol/drug evaluation, sobriety, employment, and compliance with court services.

As part of his probation, Wakefield must repay the county for the cost of his court-appointed attorney, pay all fines and costs, obtain an alcohol and/or chemical dependency evaluation, maintain sobriety, and be employed or enrolled in school full-time. Additionally, he must comply with all terms and conditions established by court services and submit to searches and testing as required.