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Press Release

Porcupine Man Indicted For Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse And Assault Charges

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly sexually and physically assaulting a female near Porcupine in August 2012.

William Thunder Hawk, age 19, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 25, 2013 for Attempted Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Thunder Hawk appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 25, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations and Thunder Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen is prosecuting the case.

Thunder Hawk was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has been set for May 28, 2013.

Updated June 22, 2015