Wakpala Man Indicted for Sexual Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wakpala man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for the alleged sexual assault of an Eagle Butte woman in May 2011.

Lyle Baker, age 51, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 12, 2011, for Sexual Abuse. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 18, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered. The charge is merely an accusation, and Baker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.

Baker was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.