Darcel Featherman, Felony Child Abuse and Neglect, South Dakota 2018

WARNING: This article details a disturbing case of child abuse.

A Rapid City woman has been sentenced for felony child abuse and neglect, leaving her two young children on the brink of starvation. Darcel Featherman, age 34, was convicted of the charge and sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court, on March 8, 2018.

According to court documents, Featherman knowingly gave temporary custody of her children to her mother and sister, who were unable to provide proper care. On November 11, 2016, law enforcement discovered the two young children, extremely emaciated, and hospitalized them at Rapid City Regional for starvation.

The attending physician described the case as the worst he had ever seen in his experience as a physician, stating that the children would have likely died from chronic starvation if they had not been found in time. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan Poppen and Sarah Collins prosecuted the case, resulting in Featherman's conviction and sentencing. The court ordered Featherman to serve 3 years of probation, pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and $4,293 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.

This disturbing case highlights the importance of proper child care and the consequences of neglecting one's responsibilities as a parent. As a society, we must come together to support those in need and ensure that our most vulnerable citizens are protected.

The investigation and prosecution of this case were a collaborative effort between the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/rapid-city-woman-sentenced-felony-child-abuse-and-neglect