Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Markis Rattling Leaf, age 29, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on May 22, 2012, and pled guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charge stems from an incident that took place on or about November 3, 2011, when Rattling had sexual contact with an 8 year old male.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for August 13, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.