October 29, 2009
Rapid City, SD
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Oglala man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexual abusing a child under the age of 12, not protecting a minor from a harmful environment, and giving marijuana to a minor. Gerald George American Horse, age 45, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 25, 2009, for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Distribution of Marihuana to a Person Under Twenty-One and Abuse of a Minor. American Horse appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 28, 2009, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The penalty upon conviction of each sexual abuse charge is imprisonment for any term of years up to life and/or a $250,000 fine; the penalty upon conviction of the distribution charge is 1-10 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine; and the maximum penalty upon conviction of the abuse of a minor charge is 10 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and American Horse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant US Attorney Carolyn G. Olson is prosecuting the case. American Horse was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set. # # # |
