Crow Creek Woman Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Carla J. Big Eagle, age 42, of Mitchell, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 3, 2011, and pled guilty to an Information that charged her with Child Abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.

Big Eagle was originally indicted in November 2010 on four counts of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The charge stems from an incident in May of 2008 when the defendant drove a vehicle with a minor inside. The defendant had been drinking alcoholic beverages with friends and was intoxicated. The defendant had a blood alcohol level of .211.

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 October 19, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.