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Press Release

Rapid City Woman Charged with Child Abuse and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

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

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse and Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor Present in the Motor Vehicle.

Maria Big Crow, age 26, was indicted on June 12, 2018.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 20, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on October 22, 2017, Big Crow was driving a vehicle with several passengers; some of the passengers were juveniles.  The vehicle Big Crow was operating was involved in a single vehicle rollover accident, resulting in injuries.  The Indictment further alleges that Big Crow was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alchol.

The charges are merely accusations and Big Crow is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Big Crow was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.

Updated July 23, 2018