Rapid City Man Charged With Escape

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rapid City man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for leaving Community Alternatives of the Black Hills, a reentry facility where he was serving part of a federal sentence, and not returning.

Wilbur Toledo Flute, age 38, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 10, 2012, for Escape from Custody. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 13, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Flute is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the US Marshal’s Service. Assistant US Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Flute was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.