Dupree Woman Pleads Guilty To Child Abuse And Neglect

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Alisa Knight, age 29, of Dupree, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on October 28, 2013, and pled guilty to Child Abuse and Neglect. 
         
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The charge stems from incidents that happened on or between December 25, 2011, and December 25, 2012, when Knight resided in Dupree with her three minor children.  Among the children was the victim who witnessed the defendant on more than one occasion ingest controlled substances, primarily methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.  Such acts were committed in the presence of the young victim and while the victim was under the care, custody and control of Knight.  As a result, the victim gained knowledge of what methamphetamine is, how to ingest it, and where Knight obtained it.
         
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case. 
         
Knight was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing which has been set for December 19, 2013.  A presentence investigation has been ordered.