White River Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a White River, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

Francisco White Buffalo, age 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2012. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 11, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

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

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

White Buffalo was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending trial. A trial date has not been set.