United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Sonny Gray Grass, age 52, of Rosebud, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on May 29, 2013 and pled guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; life of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place between April 24th and April 28th, 2008 when Gray Grass had sexual contact with the minor victim.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for Aug. 19, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
