United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Edwin Johnson, age 61, of Martin, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on April 18, 2013, and pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The Magistrate Judge is expected to recommend Johnson's plea be accepted by the District Court. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The charge relates to Johnson having sexual intercourse with a 15 year old girl who was working for him on his farm near Martin between 2010 and 2011. The investigation was conducted by the Martin Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for Aug. 2, 2013. The defendant was released on bond pending acceptance of this plea and sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
