United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Patrick Left Hand Bull, age 40, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on Oct. 24, 2013, and pled guilty to a charge of Abusive Sexual Contact.
The charge carries a maximum penalty upon conviction of 6 years and a $250,000 fine.
On July 23, 2013, Left Hand Bull engaged in sexual contact with a woman who was unable to decline participation.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. 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
