SPEARFISH, S.D. – Spearfish attorney Dylan Wilde has been disbarred following complaints from three former clients alleging inappropriate and unethical conduct.
The South Dakota Supreme Court entered the disbarment on September 28, after the State Bar’s Disciplinary Board filed a petition seeking to suspend Wilde’s license.
According to court documents, the complaints included allegations of inappropriate sexual comments and messages, sexual misconduct, and conduct one client described as coercive.
One client accused Wilde of making flirtatious comments and asking inappropriate personal questions. A second client alleged Wilde sexually assaulted her in his office following a canceled custody hearing. Wilde denied the accusation, but the disciplinary board found the client’s testimony more credible.
A third client alleged Wilde pursued a sexual relationship with her while representing her in a custody matter, saying she felt she could not afford another attorney.
Wilde chose not to contest the complaints and consented to disbarment. In his resignation, he acknowledged allegations involving explicit messages, pursuing sexual relationships with clients, and an allegation of sexual assault.
Wilde was licensed in South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota. His disbarment will be reported to the appropriate bar associations and courts.
No criminal charges appear to have been filed in connection with the sexual assault and coercion allegations described in the disciplinary case.
