United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Richard Johnson, age 49, was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 13, 2013 for Sexual Abuse of a Minor. Johnson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 20, 2013 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of years up to life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, or both; a mandatory minimum term of supervised release of 5 years up to a maximum of life. If Johnson is found to have violated any condition of his supervised release, he may be incarcerated for an additional term of 2 years for each violation with one exception. If Johnson commits a new felony violation of chapter 109A (sexual abuse), chapter 110 (sexual exploitation and other abuse of children), chapter 117 (transportation for illegal sexual activity and related crimes), section 1201 (kidnaping), or section 1591 (sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud, or coercion), while on supervised release, he may be incarcerated for a mandatory minimum term of 5 years up to life for each violation. Restitution and $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund may also be ordered.
The charge is merely an accusation, and Johnson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. Johnson was released on bond pending trial which has been set for May 14, 2013.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
