Lawrence Oakie, Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, South Dakota 2017

Lawrence Oakie, 38, Found Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child

A federal jury in Pierre, South Dakota, has convicted Lawrence Oakie, 38, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, of three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child, following a three-day federal trial. The jury delivered the guilty verdict on an unspecified date.

According to the evidence presented in court, the crimes occurred on September 2, 2017, at a house party in Eagle Butte, South Dakota. Oakie was in the company of several individuals, including two minor children who lived in the home. During the night, one of the minor children got up to use the restroom and returned to the room to find Oakie in the bedroom, sitting next to the other minor child, and engaging in an inappropriate and sexual manner with the child.

The case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Oakie was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 13, 2018. A presentence investigation has been ordered, and a sentencing date has been set for November 25, 2019. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The charges against Oakie carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The conviction is a significant victory for the community and serves as a reminder that the justice system will hold accountable those who commit such heinous crimes. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates on any developments.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/jury-finds-eagle-butte-man-guilty-abusive-sexual-contact-child