Rapid City Man Charged With Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and one count of Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consenting.

Ronnie Keith Circle Bear, age 51, was indicted on November 13, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 26, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, at least 5 years up to life of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 23, 2014, at Eagle Butte, Circle Bear caused the victim to engage in a sexual act by the use of force. On that same date, Circle Bear is alleged to have engaged in a sexual act with a person that was incapable of declining, when Circle Bear knew the victim was so incapacitated.

The charges are merely accusations and Bear Eagle is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
 
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.   

Circle Bear was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.