Mission Man Pleads Not Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact and Sexual Abuse of a Minor

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Eugene L. Featherman, age 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 12, 2011. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 18, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction 15 years' custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations, and Featherman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers. Featherman was remanded to the custody of the Unites States Marshal.