Two Milbank Residents Arrested on Felony Charges Involving Children

Grant County Sheriff Kevin Owen confirmed the arrest of two people near the city of Milbank on December 13. A search warrant was issued and Heather Paul, 38, of rural Milbank was taken into custody on suspicion of five counts of child abuse. Jose Sotomayor, 41, also of rural Milbank, was arrested on suspicion of five counts of child abuse, aggravated incest, and rape in the first degree. Both were residing at the home. Paul is being held on a cash-only $10,000 bond, and Sotomayor is being held on a cash-only $25,000 bond.

The arrests stem from December 7, when the Grant County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check involving children. Upon arrival, officers observed evidence of abuse, neglect, and other crimes. The juveniles were removed from the home at that time.

According to Jackson Schwandt, Grant County State’s Attorney, the pair attended court this morning, Tuesday, December 19, where a preliminary hearing was scheduled. They are being held in the Grant County Detention Center. Other law enforcement agencies involved with the investigation include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Milbank police department, South Dakota Child Protection Services, and Immigration Services.