Wakpala Man Indicted for Manslaughter and Child Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wakpala man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse.

Jeffery James Cadotte, Jr., age 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 8, 2011, for Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 17, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a $100 Special Assessment. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case. Cadotte was released on bond pending trial.