Rapid City Man Indicted for Escape

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rapid City man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for an escape from the Bureau of Prisons.

Homer Billy Cook, II, age 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 17, 2011, for Escape. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 1, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Cook is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant US Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Cook was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.