Man charged with rape in Codington County enters Alford plea

May 9, 2022
Mike Tanner

WATERTOWN, S.D.–A man facing rape charges in Codington County entered an Alford plea in court this (Monday) morning.

Thirty Four year-old Deserick Jake Bird (pictured) was initially charged with three counts of First Degree Rape. He entered an Alford plea to one count.

In an Alford plea, the defendant does not admit guilt, but concedes there is enough evidence to find them guilty.

Under the terms of today’s plea, the prosecution agreed to seek no more than 80 years in prison for Bird. Under the initial charges, he faced a life sentence with no chance of parole upon conviction.

Bird raped a child under the age of 13 between the dates of May and October of 2021. Bird and the victim were known acquaintances.

Bird remains in the Codington County Detention Center pending sentencing.

A sentencing date has not been set.