Judge Denies Bail to Reed Thompson in Child Rape Case

RAPID CITY, SD – On the morning of Friday, August 30, Judge Janki Sharma granted the state’s request to hold Reed Thompson, 55, without bail.

Thompson is charged with 13 serious counts, including multiple counts of rape, distribution of a controlled substance to a minor and sexual exploitation of a minor.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Gina Nelson argued against bail, citing concerns for the safety of the community and indicating there could be more victims. Nelson told the court that a body of corroborating evidence shows Thompson targeted at-risk young girls between the ages of 13 and 15.

The rape charges include providing drugs in exchange for sex, sexually abusing victims while under the influence of drugs, rape by force, and other violent acts. Thompson has a criminal record and is a potential flight risk due to his ties to Alabama.

Thompson is alleged to have committed the following crimes between January 2024 and July 2024, and in April 2023:

NUMBER 1: Rape, second degree

COUNT 2: Rape, Second Degree

COUNT 3: Rape, Second Degree

COUNT 4: Rape, third degree

COUNT 5: Rape, third degree

COUNT 6: Rape, third degree

COUNT 7: Rape, fourth degree

COUNT 8: Furnishing a Schedule III controlled substance to a minor

COUNT 9: Furnishing a Schedule III controlled substance to a minor

COUNT 10: Furnishing a Schedule III controlled substance to a minor

COUNT 11: Sexual exploitation of a minor