Wakpala Man Charged With Sexual Abuse Of A Minor

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Fabian Rodriguez, age 22, was indicted on March 18, 2014.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 21, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between January 21, 2014 and March 8, 2014, Rodriguez knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with two underage victims, who had not attained the age of 16 years old.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Rodriguez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.