Not guilty plea to sexual contact with child

Posted

BROOKINGS – A Brookings man has pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging sexual contact with a child under 16.

Shawn Carter, 35, entered the not guilty plea Thursday, and a jury trial has been scheduled for Jan. 26.

A Brookings County grand jury indicted Carter last Wednesday. The indictment alleges that between Oct. 1 and Nov. 15, Carter knowingly engaged in sexual contact with an 8-year-old girl.

Sexual contact with a child under 16 is a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine.

Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson said the sheriff’s office asked the court to release Carter on house arrest due to his health conditions.

Contact Jill Fier at jfier@brookingsregister.com.