Man accused of first-degree rape of a minor asks for case to be dismissed

RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – The man accused of first-degree rape of a minor appeared in 7th Circuit Court on Monday.

James Dowty, 61, is charged with two counts of rape of a minor under the age of 13 and an additional count of sexual contact with a child under the age of 16.

In court, Judge Heidi Linngren addressed a letter Dowty wrote to the court asking for a speedy trial and a dismissal of the case. Dowty’s attorney said the defense is still gathering more information and hopes to receive medical, school and social services records from the three alleged victims.

A new status hearing was scheduled for January 23, with a one-week trial period set to begin March 24, 2025.

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