Bullhead Woman Arraigned On Assault Charges

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse.

Leah Vandermeulen, age 48, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2013. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 20, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 2 years. The charge is merely an accusation and Vandermeulen is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley is prosecuting the case.

Vandermeulen was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.