Pine Ridge Man Indicted For Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexually abusing a child under the age of 16.

Christopher Lone Elk, age 43, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 22, 2011, for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Abusive Sexual Contact. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on June 29, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction of each count is any term of years up to life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Lone Elk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant US Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Lone Elk was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.