Mission Man Pleads Not Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Robert Romero, age 34, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 20, 2011. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 2, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations, and Romero is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

Romero was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.