McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Child Abuse

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Child Abuse was sentenced on January 5, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Clifford Wayne Kills Crow, Jr., a/k/a Clifford Wayne Kills Crow Indian, Jr., age 26, was sentenced to 3 years of probation and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, restitution.

Kills Crow was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 14, 2015.  He pled guilty on December 15, 2015.

The conviction stems from an incident on July 22, 2015, when an officer was dispatched to a residence in McLaughlin, in regards to an intoxicated father who had struck his child.  Upon arrival at the home, law enforcement made contact with Kills Crow, who was outside the residence crying and sobbing, stating to law enforcement that he had “messed up” by getting angry at his juvenile son and striking him with his belt.  Law enforcement noticed several welts on the victim’s back. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.