Former LifeQuest employee sentenced to serve two years in prison for sexual contact with disabled woman

Apr. 9—MITCHELL — A former LifeQuest employee who pleaded guilty to sexual contact with an individual not capable of consenting was sentenced Tuesday to serve two years in prison.

The victim's mother urged the courts to impose a maximum 10-year prison sentence for Stacy Jo Johnson, 50, of Mitchell, who was sentenced for the Class 4 felony charge.

Judge Chris Giles took issue with Johnson committing the sexual crime while in a position of trust involving the supervision of individuals with developmental disabilities. Giles imposed a 10-year prison sentence with eight years suspended.

During Tuesday's sentencing hearing, the victim's mother characterized Johnson as a predator who groomed her daughter over an extended period of time.

"I hope you rot ... for eternity," the victim said to Johnson.

According to the arrest affidavit, Johnson "touched the breasts of a female residential client with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of either party." When the alleged incident occurred, Johnson was serving in her role as an employee at LifeQuest, a Mitchell-based organization that provides a number of residential living options and care services for individuals with developmental disabilities.

She is no longer an employee with the organization, according to LifeQuest officials.

A prosecuting attorney with the South Dakota Attorney General's Office alleged Johnson had no remorse for the incident and "placed blame on the victim."

Johnson's attorney, Dava Wermers, rejected claims that Johnson showed no signs of remorse. Wermers argued Johnson's clean criminal record would make her a great candidate for a lengthy probation sentence.

Wermers had concerns of Johnson spending any time in prison.

Ultimately, Judge Giles said a "deterrent" was necessary in determining Johnson's sentence.