Ft. Thompson Man Arraigned on Charges of Larceny and Second Degree Burglary

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Larceny and Second Degree Burglary.

Aaron M. Grass Rope, age 18, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 18, 2011. Grass Rope appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 20, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment on the Larceny charge and 15 years' imprisonment on the Burglary charge. The charges are merely accusations, and Grass Rope is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The charges relate to an allegation of theft by Grass Rope.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Grass Rope was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.