Robo-call Trial of South Dakota Activist Focuses on Records

BRANDON, S.D. (AP) — Prosecutors say phone, Internet and credit card records connect Daniel Willard to a phone that generated what authorities say were illegal robo-calls attacking South Dakota Republican leaders before the 2012 election.

Willard's lawyer says there's no evidence that Willard used the card, and he says Internet addresses such as the one connected to Willard could be used by others.

Willard, a GOP activist, is on trial for allegedly violating South Dakota election law because the robo-calls did not have disclaimers required by state law. He has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges.

The Argus Leader reports that Prosecutor Brent Kempema says evidence will show Willard was tied to the calls.

Defense attorney R. Shawn Tornow says the state's case is "based on assumptions based on speculation based on conjecture."

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