United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Child Abuse.
Racine Whirlwind Soldier, age 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 13, 2013. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Feb. 22, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years’ in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release; and a $100 Special Assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge is merely an accusation and Whirlwind Soldier 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 Marie H. Ruettgers is prosecuting the case.
Whirlwind Soldier was released to a third party custodian pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
