McLaughlin Man Charged With Sexual Abuse 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 Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Zaken Spotted Horse, age 19, 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 15 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 20, 2014, and May 12, 2014, Spotted Horse knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a juvenile female who was at least four years younger than Spotted Horse.

The charge is merely an accusation and Spotted Horse 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.

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