Dupree Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent and Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent and Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force.

Cody High Elk, age 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 8, 2011. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 22, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charges are merely accusations, and High Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case. High Elk was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.