United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Ricky Eagle Elk, age 45, of Rosebud, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on Aug. 14, 2013, and pled guilty to Sexual Abuse.
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 on Aug. 27, 2012, when Eagle Elk performed an act of sexual penetration with the victim when the victim was not capable of consent.
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 November 4, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
