The South Dakota Supreme Court affirmed the convictions of Lance Lowell Long on multiple serious felony charges involving the abuse of his stepchildren, according to an opinion filed Dec. 10, 2025.
Long was convicted in Corson County of three counts of rape, three counts of aggravated assault, and five counts of abuse of or cruelty to a minor. All victims were Long's stepchildren, whom he had helped raise after moving to their family ranch in early 2015.
The case originated when Long began a romantic relationship with C.D., who owned and lived on a ranch in Corson County with her five children: A.A., E.D., A.D., I.A., and J.A. Long moved to the ranch in early 2015, and the couple later married, making Long the children's stepfather.
According to court documents, the children initially had positive experiences with Long after he joined their family. The children testified that Long would take them fishing and horseback riding, and taught them ranch management skills. They viewed Long as a father figure during this period.
However, the relationship deteriorated as Long began committing serious crimes against the children. The prosecution's case included other act evidence of similar conduct by Long involving the same children, which the trial court admitted over Long's objection.
Long appealed his convictions to the South Dakota Supreme Court, challenging both the admission of the other act evidence and seeking a judgment of acquittal on one of the rape counts. The circuit court had previously denied Long's motion for judgment of acquittal regarding one rape count.
The Supreme Court considered the case on briefs submitted Nov. 17, 2025, and issued its opinion on Dec. 10, 2025. Justice Myren authored the opinion affirming all of Long's convictions.
The case was prosecuted by the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, with Attorney General Marty J. Jackley and Assistant Attorney General Jennifer M. Jorgenson representing the state. Long was represented by Todd A. Love of Rapid City.
The case originated in the Circuit Court of the Fourth Judicial Circuit in Corson County, with Judge John Fitzgerald presiding over the trial proceedings.
The charges against Long represent some of the most serious felonies in South Dakota's criminal code. Rape charges carry potential sentences of up to life imprisonment, while aggravated assault and child abuse charges also carry substantial penalties. The conviction on 11 total felony counts means Long faces the possibility of decades in prison.
The admission of other act evidence was a key legal issue in the appeal. Such evidence typically refers to proof of similar criminal conduct that may not be directly related to the charged crimes but demonstrates a pattern of behavior. Courts must carefully balance the probative value of such evidence against its potential for unfair prejudice to the defendant.
The Supreme Court's decision to uphold the trial court's admission of this evidence suggests the justices found it was properly admitted under South Dakota's rules of evidence. This type of evidence can be particularly important in cases involving family members or those in positions of trust, where patterns of abuse may be relevant to understanding the defendant's conduct.
The case highlights the serious problem of domestic violence and child abuse within blended families, where stepparents assume parental roles and responsibilities. The initial positive relationship between Long and the children, followed by the alleged pattern of abuse, illustrates how trust can be violated in domestic settings.
Corson County, located in north-central South Dakota, is a rural area where such serious crimes may be less common but no less devastating to victims and their families. The prosecution of this case through the state's highest court demonstrates the commitment of South Dakota's justice system to protecting children from abuse.
Long's case was assigned Supreme Court docket numbers 30811 and 30812-a-SPM, indicating it involved multiple related appeals or issues consolidated for review.
The Supreme Court's affirmation means Long's convictions stand, and he will serve the sentence imposed by the trial court. The decision also establishes precedent for how similar cases involving other act evidence and motions for judgment of acquittal may be handled in future proceedings.
The case represents a victory for prosecutors and advocates who work to protect children from abuse and hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes. The comprehensive nature of the charges and convictions demonstrates the severity of the conduct involved and the justice system's response to protecting vulnerable family members.