SF Man Arrested On Child Rape Charges

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
January 24, 2013 4:52 PM


A 30-year-old Sioux Falls man is behind bars for allegedly raping his six-year-old daughter.

This is the third case this week, following reported rapes in Mitchell and Harrisburg.

Christopher George Hartford, in jail stripes and cuffs, walked to his first court appearance Thursday afternoon.

He is faced with charges of rape in the first degree, sexual contact with a child under 16 and two counts of sexual exploitation.

Hartford is accused of raping his daughter.

He is 30-years-old, his little girl, six-years-old.

Officials said the Department of Social Services, contacted police, after a report was filed at the victim's school.

"We had a six-year-old girl that made a comment to a friend at school, Elementary school, that there had been some sexual contact between her and her father," said Officer Sam Clemens with the Sioux Falls Police Department.

Court papers stated the little girl told her friend quote, "I have sex with my dad."

Court papers also say the girl told her mom what was happening and her mom told her to quote, "Tell Dad no."

Documents state the incidents took place more than one time when the victim's mother was at work and the victim's younger brother at daycare.

During an interview with detectives, Hartford answered "Yes," to questions from officials asking if he had sexual intercourse with his six-year-old child.

Hartford could face up to life in prison and more than $150,000.00 in fines.

During Hartford's court appearance, the judge asked him if he understood the consequences of his actions, and with his hands behind his back and head bowed down, he answered quote, "Yes, I do."

The judge set Hartford's bond to $250,000.00.

If released, Hartford is not allowed to make contact with his daughter, immediate family or anyone under the age of 16.