Bridger, SD – A grim federal charge has been leveled against Bennett Belt, a 47-year-old man from Bridger, South Dakota. The United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Belt has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child.
Belt, who was indicted on August 11, 2020, faced U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2020, where he entered a not guilty plea to the charges.
Should Belt be found guilty, the penalties are severe: life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, mandatory supervised release of up to five years to life, and a contribution of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Additionally, restitution may be imposed.
The indictment against Belt details multiple instances between July 2003 and September 2017 within Ziebach County, where he is alleged to have engaged in and attempted to engage in abusive sexual acts with minors.
Despite these serious charges, Belt maintains his innocence until proven guilty. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation into this disturbing case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuting the matter.
Belt has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and awaits trial. A trial date remains unspecified at this time.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Public Corruption
- Source: Official Source ↗
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