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Child Abuser Sentenced to 9 Months in Custody

A Parmelee, South Dakota man will spend nine months in custody after being convicted of child abuse. Joseph Morrisette, age 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Roberto A. Lange on November 26, 2013.

The charges stem from an incident on July 9, 2013, where Morrisette was babysitting several children at his home while intoxicated. During this time, he struck the victim, resulting in a black eye.

‘This case was the result of a vicious act of child abuse,’ said U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson. ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to protect the children of South Dakota from those who would harm them.’

Morrisette was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 21, 2013, and pleaded guilty on September 16, 2013. As part of his sentence, he will also serve 18 months of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case.

Morrisette was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after the sentencing. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the children of South Dakota and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure those who commit child abuse are held accountable.

The case serves as a reminder that child abuse will not be tolerated in our community. If you or someone you know is a victim of child abuse, please contact the National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.