St. Francis Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse.

Israel A. Left Hand Bull, age 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2011. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 20, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; life of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Left Hand Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Left Hand Bull was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.