Rapid City Woman Indicted for Leaving Community Alternatives of the Black Hills Without Permission

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rapid City woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for walking away from Community Alternatives of the Black Hills, where she was serving a federal sentence, and not returning.

Lori A. Little Bear, age 41, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 20, 2011, for Escape. She appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 9, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Little Bear is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Marshal's Service. Assistant US Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Little Bear was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.