Lower Brule Man Arraigned on Sexual Abuse Charge

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Martin Charger, age 37, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 18, 2012. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 1, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a mandatory minimum of 30 years' imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Charger is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Charger was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.