Harrold Woman Charged with Manslaughter

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Harrold, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Manslaughter.

Kiya Rojas, age 23, was indicted on July 16, 2019.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 23, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 9, 2018, Rojas unlawfully killed an individual while operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

The charge is merely an accusation and Rojas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

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

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