St. Francis Man Pleads Guilty to Larceny and Aiding and Abetting

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Steven Whiting, age 18, of St. Francis, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 28, 2012, and pled guilty to Larceny and Aiding and Abetting.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 4, 2012, when Whiting and other individuals took laptop computers and desktop computers from Spring Creek Elementary School.

The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 20, 2012.  The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.