Nebraska Man Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Stapleton, Nebraska, man for Involuntary Manslaughter.

Coenrad Jones, age 21, was indicted in October of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on November 28, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that on February 1, 2022, in Todd County, South Dakota, Jones killed a man by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case. 

Jones was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 31, 2023.