McLaughlin Man Charged With Abusive Sexual Contact Of A Minor

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor.

Patrick Red Legs, age 20, was indicted on August 19, 2014.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 21, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.  

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 2 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory minimum of 5 years, up to life, of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between April 1, 2014, and June 12, 2014, Red Legs did knowingly engage in, and attempt to engage in, sexual contact with a juvenile female who was at least four years younger than him.

The charge is merely an accusation and Red Legs 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 R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Red Legs was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.