Manderson Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that James Shawn Jumping Eagle, age 36, of Manderson, appeared before US District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on May 2, 2011, and pled guilty to Count II of an indictment that charged him with sexual abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In February 2010 near Manderson, Jumping Eagle engaged in sexual contact with a person unable or unwilling to give consent. The investigation was conducted by BIA and OST-DPS. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 22, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending sentencing.