Ft. Thompson Man Arraigned on Sexual Abuse Charges

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Kyle Merritt, age 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 18, 2012. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 27, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years' imprisonment per offense. The charges are merely accusations, and Merritt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Merritt was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.