McLaughlin Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Contact with Woman

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Sheldon Gerry, age 36, of McLaughlin, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on April 27, 2012, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Sexual Contact. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 3 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction arose from a January 2011 incident in which Gerry had sexual contact with a McLaughlin woman. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 23, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.