Politician charged with raping teens

CHET BROKAW

The Associated Press

A former South Dakota House member was arrested yesterday on charges of rape and other sexual offenses against two teen girls.

Republican Ted A. Klaudt surrendered at the Corson County Sheriff's office in Pierre. He did not enter a plea during two court appearances, and bond was set at $100,000. He was taken to jail and declined to comment as he left the courtroom.

The accusers were aged 15 to 19 over the years the crimes are to have occurred. One girl was molested when she was a legislative page, authorities allege. The girls told law officers that Klaudt touched their genitals during what he called exams for a purported scheme to have them donate their eggs to make money, Attorney General Larry Long said.

Klaudt, 49, served in the House for eight years but lost a 2006 run for the state Senate.