PIERRE, (KCCR) — A Pierre man is facing sexual assault charges involving a juvenile female. According court documents on file in Hughes County Matthew Tople is charged with Sexual Contact with a Child Under 16; Sexual Exploitation of a Minor; Hiring for Sexual Activity and Possession of a Controlled Substance. An affidavit of probable cause on file in the case indicates the alleged 12 year-old victim reported to police that her mother’s boyfriend inappropriately touched her. The victim told investigators Tople had come to her bedroom and touched her 10 to 12 times and that the first alleged incident was late last year. Investigators also note in the affidavit that screenshots of text messages show Tople offering the victim money in order to continue the inappropriate conduct. Tople responded in one message…”It’s normal to do this.” Tople requested and was approved for a court appointed attorney. Bond was set at 75-thousand dollars. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 9th.
