United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Custer, South Dakota, couple have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Destruction of Government Property.
Jerry Nored, age 61, and Susan Nored, age 60, were indicted on Dec. 17, 2013. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on Jan. 13, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to the Noreds leading and guiding clients on horseback rides over unauthorized trails within the Black Hills National Forest between March and December 2013. These rides caused damage in excess of $1,000 to the Black Hills National Forest.
The charge is merely an accusation and the Noreds are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.
The Noreds were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 18, 2014.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
