Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Justin Beardt, age 30, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on September 12, 2012, and pled guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on January 23, 2011, when Beardt sexually abused the victim by force.

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 December 3, 2012.  The defendant was released and must report to the custody of the United States Marshal on September 19, 2012.