Rosebud Woman Charged With Arson

United  States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson.

Mary Peneaux, age 25, was indicted on November 14, 2013.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 28, 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, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge relates to an incident on March 23, 2013, when Peneaux allegedly set fire to and burned the victim’s residence. The charge is merely an accusation and Peneaux is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers is prosecuting the case.   

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