Mitchell Woman Sentenced on Child Abuse Charge

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mitchell woman charged with Child Abuse was sentenced on October 19, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Carla J. Big Eagle, age 42, was sentenced to three months in custody; two years of supervised release, and $1,650 in restitution.

Carla J. Big Eagle was originally indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2010. The case stems from an incident in 2008 when the defendant drove a vehicle with a minor inside. Big Eagle had been drinking alcoholic beverages with friends and was intoxicated. She had a blood alcohol level of .211. She pled guilty to an Information charging her with Child Abuse in August 2011.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Big Eagle was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal to begin serving her sentence.