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Press Release

Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty To Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Derek Black Elk, age 25, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 20, 2013 and pled guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In March 2009 at Pine Ridge, Black Elk engaged in a sexual act with a girl under the age of 16. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing, which has been set for July 15, 2013.

Updated June 22, 2015