Brookings man sentenced to 30-years for rape and sexual contact

A Brookings man is sentenced to 30-years in prison after pleading guilty to second degree rape and sexual contact..

The sentence was handed down Tuesday to 24-year-old Dalton D. Lenger who entered the guilty pleas in June as part of a deal with the state.

States Attorney Dan Nelson says, after consulting with the victims throughout the last year, they collectively felt that 30-years in the penitentiary and no credit for the nearly 500 days Lenger has been in jail is the right balance between accountability and protecting the victims. Nelson says the sentence the will serve as a strong reminder that accountability follows actions.

Nelson says the victims displayed tremendous courage throughout this entire process.

Second degree rape carries a maximum penalty of 50-years in prison and up to a $50,000 fine.

September 9, 2020