Rapid City police have arrested 30-year-old Tell Cadotte of Rapid City after investigating claims that he was having inappropriate contact with a minor.
The investigation began on January 27th after his actions were first reported to police. Details of the reported incidents are being purposefully withheld out of respect for the child victims.
On February 2nd, local law enforcement executed a search warrant at Cadotte’s residence at 2121 6th Avenue. A number of evidentiary items were collected from his residence.
On March 4th, after the investigation revealed evidence to substantiate the reported claims against Cadotte, he was placed under arrest for one count of Sexual Contact with a Child Less Than 16, five counts of First Degree Rape, and 19 counts of Possession/Manufacturing/Distributing Child Pornography.
Police continue to actively investigate whether additional victims exist in this case. Anyone with any information relevant to this investigation should contact Detective Seth Walker at 605-394-4134. An anonymous tip can also be submitted by texting the letters ‘RCPD’ and the information to 847411.
The investigation into Cadotte’s actions has been conducted jointly between the RCPD, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
* The charges are merely accusations and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Any additional details regarding this case can be obtained from the Pennington County State’s Attorney and/or court records as appropriate.