23 year old Rapid City woman sentenced to maximum prison term for attempted aggravated child abuse

Rapid City, S.D. — A 23-year-old Rapid City woman has been sentenced to the maximum prison term allowed under the law for attempted aggravated child abuse following a case involving severe and life-threatening injuries to a toddler.

Katerina Wilson was sentenced to 7½ years in the South Dakota Women’s Prison after pleading guilty to attempted aggravated child abuse. The sentence represents the statutory maximum for the offense.

Wilson was initially charged with aggravated child abuse, which carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison. However, following extensive review of the evidence and legal considerations, the State entered into a plea agreement that more accurately reflects what the evidence could prove beyond a reasonable doubt.

During sentencing, Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Braedon Houdek highlighted a letter from a Department of Social Services social worker who described the child’s injuries as “among the most severe I have seen in my nearly ten years with the State.”

The victim, a 19-month-old child, suffered multiple fractures to nearly every extremity, including his fingers, along with extensive bruising to his head, stomach, back, and genital area. Medical professionals also identified indications of sexual trauma to the child’s genital and anal regions. Due to the severity of his condition, the child required intubation for several days.

Seventh Circuit Judge Eric Kelderman described Wilson’s actions as appalling and emphasized the staggering nature of the child’s injuries. The court told Wilson she was “fortunate” that 7½ years was the maximum sentence available.

“This was an extraordinarily difficult and heartbreaking case,” Houdek said. “While no sentence can undo what this child endured, this agreement ensured accountability and a guaranteed prison sentence in a case that involved significant legal and evidentiary complexities.”

According to the child’s caregivers, he is now doing well and is in a safe and stable environment. “What matters most is that he is safe and protected,” the caregivers said. “He is now in a stable, nurturing home where his needs come first and where his future can be focused on healing.
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This case was prosecuted on behalf of the State by Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Braedon Houdek and Senior Deputy State’s Attorney Adam Shiffermiller.