A horrific crime has shaken a small community in South Dakota. A 14-year-old girl was sexually abused by a 24-year-old man in Lower Brule, a town with a population of just over 1,000 people. The incident occurred on December 29, 2016, when the victim went to her boyfriend’s home.
The defendant, Errol Jerome Flute, a/k/a Errol Jerome Pretty Sounding Flute, a/k/a EJ Flute, age 24, was engaged to the victim’s boyfriend’s mother at the time of the incident. The victim’s boyfriend was sleeping on the couch, and the victim began to socialize with the defendant and others.
According to the investigation, the defendant’s fiancée left the residence, and the defendant and the victim ended up in the back bedroom where they engaged in sexual intercourse. The victim was just 14 years old at the time.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
On January 22, 2018, the defendant was sentenced to 18 months in custody, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
The defendant was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The community is still reeling from the news, and many are left wondering how such a heinous crime could have occurred in their midst. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the need for stronger laws to protect our children.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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