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Man Charged with Strangulation and Suffocation
A Fort Thompson man has been charged with a serious crime that has left a community shaken. Santana Drapeau, 22, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation and Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender.
According to court documents, the indictment alleges that on May 18, 2014, Drapeau unlawfully assaulted an adult female victim by strangling and suffocating her. Furthermore, Drapeau committed a domestic assault upon the same victim when he had a final conviction, on at least two separate prior occasions for offenses that would have been, if subject to federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse or intimate partner.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Drapeau appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 4, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. 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.
Drapeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set. The charges are merely accusations and Drapeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The people of Fort Thompson and the surrounding communities are left to wonder how such a heinous crime could occur. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency, is urging anyone with information regarding this crime to come forward and assist in the investigation. If you have any information, please contact the authorities at your earliest convenience.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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