Arrest Warrant Issued for Former Watertown Travel Agent

October 22, 2026

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT)–An arrest warrant was recently issued for a former Watertown travel agent for failing to follow orders of the court.

Sixty eight year-old Margaret Jean Spears-Pederson was charged with Felony Grand Theft last year.

Before she was to go on trial, she was ordered by the court to undergo a competency evaluation that was scheduled for September 25th, but she was a no show.

Court documents obtained by KWAT News indicate her defense counsel, John Heinrichs, then secured a second evaluation scheduled for October 9th in Sioux Falls. However, despite repeated efforts to notify her of that rescheulded appointment, she failed to show up for that evaluation too.

Spears-Pederson previously had her $50,000 bond revoked following allegations of prohibited contact with victims.

Court documents say, “given the defendant’s history of non-compliance, and unsuccessful efforts to secure her attendance through less restrictive means, the State respectfully requests revocation of defendant’s existing bond and issuance of a warrant for her arrest.”

In June 2025, Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Spears-Pederson had been charged with Grand Theft for taking unauthorized control of monies owned by 16 different victims that had a combined value of between $100,000 and $500,000.

The alleged theft occurred between January 1, 2023 and January 1, 2025 while she operated Pederson Travel Service in Watertown.

“The defendant is alleged to have violated the victims’ trust,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This is a good reminder for consumers to do due diligence when agreeing to pay for services. Make sure everything is in writing upfront before you provide payment.”

Court documents list Spears-Pederson’s address as being in the 200-block of North Fanelle Avenue in Sioux Falls.