United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Fort Yates, North Dakota, man, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent.
William Left Hand, age 29, was indicted on Jan. 15, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on Jan. 17, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a mandatory term of five years up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about Feb. 22, 2012, Left Hand knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in a sexual act with the victim, who was physically incapable of declining participation in, or communicating her unwillingness to, engage in the sexual act.
The charge is merely an accusation and Left Hand is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Left Hand was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
