McLaughlin Man Charged with Child Abuse

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse.

Fritz Wallace Eagle Shield, III, age 40, was indicted on February 17, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 19, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in custody 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 or about December 27, 2015, Eagle Shield abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child who had not attained the age of seven.

The charge is merely an accusation and Eagle Shield 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.   

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