(Sioux Falls, SD) — A former Turner County deputy is behind bars, accused of raping a child over several years. Police say 35-year-old Kipp Stearns of Sioux Falls was arrested early yesterday after a SWAT standoff in a west Sioux Falls neighborhood. The investigation began Friday, when the victim’s mother reported the abuse, which court documents say went on for about eight years. Officers returned to the home Sunday night after learning Stearns was back and may have had a weapon. During the arrest, Stearns had a medical issue and was taken to the hospital. He’ll be booked on rape charges once he’s released. Stearns lost his law enforcement certification last year after accusations of misconduct on the job.
