Ft. Thompson Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Child Abuse and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor Present in the Motor Vehicle

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor Present in the Motor Vehicle.

Kristy His Law, age 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 13, 2011. She appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 19, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Crow Creek Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan N. Dilges. His Law was released to a third party custodian.