WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- 34-year-old Wayne Anderson of Watertown, has been sentenced to two life sentences in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to two counts of sex crimes. Anderson was arrested on November 14, 2023, following an investigation by Watertown Police into allegations of sex crimes. He faced a total of 49 charges, including 1st Degree Rape, Solicitation of a Minor, and Violation of a Protection Order.

During the court proceedings, Anderson pled guilty to two counts of 1st Degree Rape involving victims under the age of 13, which occurred on August 1, 2021. He was sentenced on January 29, 2025, to life imprisonment without parole for each of these charges. Additionally, Anderson pled guilty to one count of Sexual Contact with a Child Under 16, for which he received a 15-year sentence suspended.

During the sentencing, two videos were logged as evidence of Anderson’s actions in two separate incidents. The prosecution, Kelly Marnette, representing the State of South Dakota, also mentioned two victims.

The presiding Judge, Carmen Means, underlined the severity of Anderson’s crimes and the impact on the victims. The judge stated, “You are one of the worst kinds of sex offenders; you blame the victims and their mothers. You wouldn’t hesitate for a second, putting them through trial.”

The judge also highlighted Anderson’s lack of accountability and denial of his actions, noting that he is at an above-average risk of reoffending. The judge emphasized, “Your psychosexual evaluation says that you are an above-average risk to re-offend. I see no hope, based upon what I have listened to in what you said, any chance to be rehabilitated with any level of counseling.”

During the proceedings, the defense attorney, Timothy Cummings, also mentioned that when Anderson was a child, he dealt with physical and sexual abuse. Also, he struggled with drugs and alcohol after he caught his wife committing adultery for what he said was the fourth time.

Anderson was given the opportunity to speak and told the judge he believed the videos were doctored and didn’t “look right.” he did, however, say he would take accountability for the one video that “showed his face.” He told the judge that “you might as well give me the death penalty” with those charges. When he was formally in state prison, he would make people “pay rent” for charges like these.

Judge Means explained that under state statute, the crimes “you convicted yourself of” do not allow for the death penalty.

The remaining charges against Anderson, including multiple counts of rape, sexual exploitation of a minor, and possession of child pornography, were dismissed by the prosecutor’s motion.