Attorney General Marty Jackley said testimony by a victim strengthened the sexual abuse case involving a former legislative candidate.
Joel Koskan, of Mellette County, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Tuesday.
Koskan originally faced one count of exposing a minor to foreseeable harm. However, he was convicted on two felony counts of incest.
Koskan submitted a plea deal to plead guilty to the original charge in exchange for undergoing psycho-sexual evaluation, reimburse the state for costs related to the investigation and pay for the victim’s schooling, therapy and transportation. The judge rejected that plea.
Attorney General Jackley said sexual abuse cases are strengthened by victim testimony.
“I think that’s why this case was ultimately resolved the way it was,” Jackley said. “It’s really a courageous and strong victim coming forward coupled with the work of the investigators and the prosecutors in the case, really, is what I think made a significant difference in achieving the sentence that was obtained.”
Court documents indicate the victim underwent years of sexual abuse and surveillance.
The victim in the case was originally hesitant to testify. However, they spoke to the court on Tuesday.
Jackley said it takes time for a victim to come forward.
“It’s been my experience in most sex abuse related cases that it’s challenging for that victim to relive what occurred. Challenging from a standpoint of if it involved family members or close friends, what it does to that dynamic.”
The defendant, Joel Koskan, waved his right to delayed sentencing. He was escorted from the Hughes County courthouse in handcuffs. He’s in custody and facing a decade behind bars.
