Skip to main content
Press Release

Porcupine Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Abusing a Minor Female

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

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The sentencing took place on November 13, 2024.

Michael Lee Spider, Jr., age 30, was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Spider was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in April of 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024.

In September of 2023, Spider met up with a 14-year-old female at a residence in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The female became intoxicated and high on marijuana. Spider and the female engaged in a sexual act.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

Spider was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Updated November 15, 2024

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice