United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and Child Abuse.
Gary Hacker, III, age 27, was indicted on July 11, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 24, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assault is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release, the maximum penalty upon conviction for Child Abuse is 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release. Both charges could result in a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution.
The Indictment alleges that on June 12, 2017, Hacker assaulted an individual with the intent to do bodily harm. The Indictment further alleges that Hacker abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child on that date.
The charges are merely accusations and Hacker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Hacker was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
