Eagle Butte Man Charged With Aggravated Sexual Abuse Of A Child

A 39-year-old Eagle Butte man has been charged with two counts of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Children. Leonard Rondeau was indicted on February 11, 2015, by a federal grand jury.

The indictment alleges that between April 11, 2003, and December 22, 2005, Rondeau engaged in, or attempted to engage in, a sexual act with two different children under the age of 12.

Rondeau appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 17, 2015, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of 5 years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.

Rondeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set. The charges are merely an accusation and Rondeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is a stark reminder of the heinous crimes that can occur in our communities. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

As for now, Leonard Rondeau remains behind bars, awaiting trial for the alleged crimes. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring justice to those who have been wronged.