HURON, S.D. — South Dakota police say a bar owner accused of raping a 12-year-old and two 14-year-old girls exploited an outdated ordinance that allowed 18- to 21-year-olds in an establishment serving alcohol if it was designated as a dance hall.
Thirty-four-year-old Werner Fajardo (fa-HAHR'-doh) has been charged with six counts of rape and several counts of providing alcohol to minors at his El Cuervo bar in Huron. He was out on bond when police arrested him again after finding minors in the establishment. Fajardo has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The dance hall ordinance was repealed last year, but El Cuervo apparently still welcomed minors.
While Fajardo awaits trial, the city commission will hold a public hearing Friday on whether to recommend that the state revoke or suspend his liquor license.