Prometheus 6

Klaudt's attorney Tim Rensch...urged jurors to acquit his client, arguing that both girls were at least 16 years old when the exams took place - putting them above the age of consent in South Dakota - and that they both consented to the exams.

"This was a despicable, terrible scheme he was perpetrating on these girls, but it was not forcible rape," Rensch said during his closing arguments.

Former S.D. Legislator Convicted of Rape
By CHET BROKAW
Associated Press Writer

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) -- A former state lawmaker was convicted of raping two former foster daughters during physical examinations that he claimed would help them sell their reproductive eggs.

The jury on Tuesday found Ted Klaudt guilty of all four counts of second-degree rape after deliberating for three hours. Klaudt, 49, could get as many as 25 years in prison for each count when he is sentenced in January.

Circuit Judge James W. Anderson ordered Klaudt to undergo a psychosexual evaluation before sentencing, as required by state law.

Klaudt also is scheduled to stand trial next week for rape and other offenses in Corson County, where he lives.

Klaudt's attorney Tim Rensch didn't deny during the trial that his client gave the girls physical examinations or that they were part of a scheme by which the girls were told they could make thousands of dollars for selling their reproductive eggs.

But he urged jurors to acquit his client, arguing that both girls were at least 16 years old when the exams took place - putting them above the age of consent in South Dakota - and that they both consented to the exams.

"This was a despicable, terrible scheme he was perpetrating on these girls, but it was not forcible rape," Rensch said during his closing arguments.

State prosecutor Patricia DeVaney argued that Klaudt raped the young women.

"To say the girls consented to what was done to them is absolutely preposterous," DeVaney told the jury in closing arguments. "How can you exercise your free will if you are being lied to and manipulated throughout the whole thing?"