Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Burglary

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for breaking into a convenience store and stealing several items.

Phillip T. George, Jr., age 19, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 20, 2012, for Third Degree Burglary. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 2, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and George is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. George was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.