A preschool teacher has been charged with raping a three-year-old child in a shocking incident.
Sarah Hazledine, 48, is accused of sexually assaulting the toddler in August 2024 while employed at a daycare in Spearfish, South Dakota.
She faces serious charges, including first-degree r*pe of a minor under the age of 13 and sexual contact with a minor under the age of 16. Court documents indicate that both charges stem from an incident involving the same alleged victim.
Hazledine reportedly posted a $75,000 bond on March 20 after being indicted by a Lawrence County grand jury and subsequently arrested. According to the grand jury indictment, she is accused of “sexually penetrating a child” in August 2024.
A friend of Hazledine’s for 30 years has come forward, confirming her employment at the daycare but claiming that the allegations against Hazledine are unfounded. The friend stated that many individuals quickly provided their names and contact details, willing to serve as character witnesses for Hazledine.
Hazledine’s initial court appearance is set for April 28. If convicted, she could face a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison for the first-degree r*pe charge.
