Watertown Jail Inmate Charged with Making Alcohol While Behind Bars

October 21, 2026

WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT)–A Codington County jail inmate faces a charge of Possession of Unauthorized Articles in Jail for allegedly making homemade alcohol in his jail cell.

Thirty four year-old Eugene Thomas Olson of Watertown was charged earlier this month

A probable cause statement indicates that on October 7th, correctional officers at the jail located a tote that contained multiple plastic bottles which were storing, “a chunky brown liquid substance.”

Investigator Shane Yost, through his training and experience in law enforcement and corrections, knew this to be a method of distilling fruits, starches and sugars into alcohol.

Court documents indicate the homemade alcohol was kept in the tote and was insulated with clothing and towels to provide a dark, warm environment for the fermentation to take place.

The liquid in the tote had an alcohol content reading of .316 using a preliminary breath test (PBT).

Olson was initially asked about the tote next to his bunk. Olson denied any knowledge of it and its contents. But after reviewing cell camera footage, Olson was seen stooping down and interacting with the tote, which led to the charges.

Codington County State’s Attorney Alison Trauba says Olson was in jail on a probation revocation, and charges of DUI and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana.

The new charge he now faces is a Class 6 Felony.