Denny Johnson, Aggravated Sexual Abuse, South Dakota 2016

State: South Dakota
Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/kenel-man-convicted-aggravated-sexual-abuse-and-other-domestic-violence-charges" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A federal jury in Aberdeen, South Dakota, found 31-year-old Denny Johnson of Kenel, South Dakota, guilty of multiple charges, including two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, and Simple Assault.

The jury returned the guilty verdict on May 12, 2016, after deliberating for approximately 3 hours. Johnson was found not guilty of three additional counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse and one count of Kidnapping.

According to evidence presented in court, Johnson’s violent behavior towards the victim began on December 29, 2013, and continued through January 10, 2014. During this time, Johnson physically and emotionally abused the victim, who had been in a tumultuous relationship with him since early 2000.

The abuse escalated on the night of December 29, 2013, when Johnson brought the victim home from work and began yelling at her. The victim attempted to leave, but Johnson slammed the door shut, grabbed her by the jacket collar, and assaulted her. He then repeatedly kicked her on the small of her back, a previously injured area.

Johnson continued to physically and verbally abuse the victim, cutting her clothing with a large army knife and attempting to dilute her with cleaning chemicals in the shower. He then ordered her to go to a bedroom, where he raped her in several ways, holding a knife to her throat and menacing her throughout the assault.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Johnson faces a maximum penalty of up to life in custody and/or fines of up to $1,005,000, up to life of supervised release, and $410 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

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