Man Charged with DWI Causing Minor’s Serious Injury

State: South Dakota
Category: Violent Crime
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/pukwana-man-charged-operating-motor-vehicle-under-influence-alcohol-causing-serious" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

A 40-year-old Pukwana man was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol causing serious bodily injury to a minor, Grimy Times has learned.

Wesley Paul Miller, 40, was indicted on January 19, 2017, for Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Minor. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 23, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is not more than 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 5, 2016, Miller, while being in actual physical control of a vehicle and under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, drove over a minor child, causing serious bodily injury.

The charge is merely an accusation and Miller is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.

Miller was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency, is investigating the case, which raises concerns about the safety of minors in the community. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Miller’s actions on July 5, 2016, are a stark reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. We urge all drivers to never get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Related Federal Cases