Press Release
Fort Thompson Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse.
Bonita Keeble, a/k/a Bonita Hare, age 34, was indicted on April 13, 2016. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on June 21, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction of Involuntary Manslaughter is up to eight years in custody, and conviction of Child Abuse is up to 15 years in custody. Each charge carries a penalty of up to a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
It is alleged that around July 27, 2015, Keeble killed a minor child under the age of seven by acting in a grossly negligent manner by overlaying and smothering the child.
The charge is merely an accusation and Keeble is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Keeble was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Updated June 23, 2016
Component