Abusive Sexual Contact Lands St. Francis Man in Prison

A St. Francis man has been sentenced to prison for committing abusive sexual contact.

Joseph Blue Bird, age 26, was sentenced to 36 months of custody, 5 years of supervised release, $43.50 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was also ordered to register as a sex offender.

The conviction stems from an incident in May 2012, wherein the victim went to her neighbor’s house in Rosebud for a social gathering. Blue Bird was also present at the gathering.

The group socialized throughout the evening, and eventually the victim told a resident of the house that she was tired and was going to lie down on the couch. The victim awoke to find that her pants were down and Blue Bird was on top of her, touching her genitalia. Blue Bird then fled the residence without saying anything further to the victim.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Blue Bird was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This sentence is a result of Blue Bird’s guilty plea on November 19, 2013, and his indictment by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2012.

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced the sentencing, stating that justice has been served. The Rosebud community can rest easier knowing that this individual is behind bars and will face the consequences of his actions.

As a community, we must continue to stand together to prevent such acts of violence and support the victims and their families.

RELATED: Seattle Man Sentenced for Airline Groping

RELATED: 66yo Iowa Man Sentenced to 27 Years for Abusive Sexual Contact