Supreme Court Upholds Sioux Falls Man’s 2008 Rape Conviction for Molesting 12 Year Old Girl

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Supreme Court has upheld the conviction of a Sioux Falls man convicted of repeatedly molesting a 12-year-old girl.

Terry Lee Oleson pleaded guilty to first degree rape in 2008 and was sentenced to 70 years in the State Penitentiary. Circuit Judge Brad Zell at the time ordered that Oleson not be eligible for parole for 52 years, saying he has a record of sex crimes and it's unlikely he can be rehabilitated.

Oleson did not appeal his conviction but later petitioned for habeas relief, saying his plea was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court rejected Oleson's claim this week.

Attorney General Marty Jackley says he's glad that the victim of the violent crime will not be subjected to revictimization.

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