Ipswich man accused of raping child pleads not guilty, posts bond

IPSWICH, S.D.(Aberdeen Insider)- An Ipswich man charged with raping a child has entered not guilty pleas and posted bond.

Jeromy E. Loken, 47, faces charges of rape of a child younger than 13, sexual exploitation of a minor and sexual contact with a child younger than 18 while in a position of authority. Loken was acting as a childcare provider, according to court paperwork.

He entered his pleas during a hearing Thursday, July 18 at the Edmunds County Courthouse in Ipswich.

Loken has posted a $100,000 cash or surety bond, so he’s no longer in custody, though he cannot have contact with minors except for family members.

He has been employed with the Ipswich School District as an industrial technology and physical education teacher and an assistant track coach. During a special meeting on June 13, the school board unanimously voted to suspend Loken without pay pending further investigation.

The school district has noted that the alleged incidents did not happen on school grounds.

Loken is also an officer with the South Dakota National Guard.