DEADWOOD, S.D. (AP) No decision has yet been made whether former state Representative Ted Klaudt will appeal the rape convictions a Hughes County jury handed down earlier this week.

That today from Klaudt's lawyer, Tim Rensch.

He says an appeal decision will be made after Klaudt is sentenced in January on the Hughes County rape convictions and on today's guilty plea to two witness tampering convictions in Corson County.

Two former foster daughters have testified that Klaudt touched their breasts and genitals as part of a bogus scheme to help them make money by donating their reproductive eggs to infertile couples.

Any appeal likely would deal with Rensch's argument that Klaudt's actions were immoral but did not amount to rape because the young women consented to the so-called examinations.

Today, Klaudt admitted he offered to forgive a debt if the mother of one of the foster daughters would call off an investigation of his actions. And in the earlier trial, one of the young women testified Klaudt had urged her to lie to authorities.

(By AP Writer Chet Brokaw) (Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 11-09-07 1916CST | save this article / add to your favorites list