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Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse
A St. Francis, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury on serious charges of child sex abuse.
Vernon Blackhorse, age 63, was charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child, Aggravated Sexual Contact with a Child, and Abusive Sexual Contact following a lengthy investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
The indictment was handed down on May 15, 2013, and Blackhorse appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 20, 2013, where he pled not guilty to the charges.
According to the indictment, Blackhorse could face a maximum penalty of up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; life of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge is merely an accusation, and Blackhorse is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers is prosecuting the case, and Blackhorse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
The investigation into Blackhorse’s alleged crimes is ongoing, and we will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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