George Cortier, First Degree Burglary, South Dakota 2013

An Allen, South Dakota, man has been accused of breaking into a home and stealing valuable items. George Cortier, age 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary.

The alleged crime took place in July 2013, near Allen, South Dakota. Cortier is accused of breaking into a man's home and stealing three television sets.

According to the indictment, the maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. Additionally, Cortier may face 5 years of supervised release and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Cortier appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 26, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case. Cortier was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Cortier is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Cortier's current status is being held in custody pending trial.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/allen-man-charged-burglarizing-home