Pukwana Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Contact

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Sonny J. Antelope, age 28, of Pukwana, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on May 18, 2011, and pled guilty to an Information that charged Abusive Sexual Contact by Force. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.

Antelope was originally indicted by a Federal Grand Jury in February 2011. The charge stems from the defendant causing a Pierre woman to engage in sexual contact by using force against her in July of 2010. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for August 15, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.