Lower Brule Man Arraigned on Sexual Abuse Charges

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

Ty L. Middletent, age 21, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2012. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 5, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the Sexual Abuse charge is any term of years or life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The maximum penalty on the Sexual Abuse of a Minor charge is any term up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charges are merely accusations, and Middletent 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. Middletent was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.