Pine Ridge Man Convicted in Child Abuse Case

Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Timothy Kenneth White Plume, age 36, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Felony Child Abuse and Neglect, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, at the conclusion of a seven-day federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The jury returned the verdict on July 14, 2015.

The maximum penalty on the child abuse charge is 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  The maximum penalty on the assault charge is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The conviction stems from White Plume assaulting a three-month old baby in December of 2012 at Pine Ridge, causing multiple skull fractures, catastrophic brain injury, broken ribs, and a broken leg.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah B. Collins and Gregg S. Peterman prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.