WATERTOWN, SD — Shane Michael Larson, 46, was arrested on January 29, 2025, by officers from the Watertown Police Department (WPD). He faces serious charges, including three counts of Sexual Penetration by a Psychotherapist and one count of Hiring for Sexual Activity.
The investigation into Larson began on January 15, 2025, after evidence suggested that Larson, a licensed counselor, had engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with clients during 2022 and 2023. These incidents led to the three counts of sexual penetration by a psychotherapist.
Investigators also uncovered a separate incident in 2023, resulting in the additional charge of Hiring for Sexual Activity. According to law enforcement reports, Larson had been extorted for $25,000 by an individual threatening to expose his affair with a woman whose husband was in prison at the time. The woman, a former client, confirmed the affair and reported being paid between $200 to $300 after their encounters.
Further investigation revealed Larson had allegedly engaged in sexual activity with another former client, who is also a registered sex offender. This individual claimed that Larson performed oral sex on him multiple times between 2022 and March 2023 and stated that he felt intimidated due to Larson’s authority and physical presence.
Larson was arrested without incident and taken to the Codington County Detention Center, where he was released on a PR bond. His initial court appearance is scheduled for March 4, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Third Circuit Court Judges have been disqualified from presiding over the case.
