United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Porcupine, South Dakota woman was indicted by a federal grand jury for driving a vehicle while intoxicated, causing it to roll and eject a young child, who died from his injuries.
Elizabeth Red Star-Benson, 26, was indicted on March 19, 2013 for Felony Child Abuse and Neglect and Involuntary Manslaughter. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 28, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.
The charges are merely an accusation and Red Star-Benson is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
Red Star-Benson was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
