Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child

A federal jury in Pierre, South Dakota, has found Chad Two Hearts, 39, of Eagle Butte, guilty of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. This heinous crime carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both; at least 5 years and up to life of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment.

Two Hearts was previously convicted by the State of South Dakota for second-degree attempted rape and was indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child on March 13, 2013. The trial began on August 27, 2013 and lasted two days, with the jury returning its guilty verdict after deliberating for approximately two hours.

The victim, who was 9 or 10 years old at the time of the sexual abuse and 18 years old at the time of the trial, testified that the sexual abuse happened in both Hills, Minnesota and South Dakota. Two Hearts had also given a taped confession to the Federal Bureau of Investigation admitting to the abuse.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for November 20, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to await sentencing.

Two Hearts’s past conviction and the severity of the crime make his punishment a foregone conclusion. His sentence will be a reflection of the devastating impact his actions had on the victim and their family.

As this case comes to a close, the community can take some solace in knowing that justice has been served. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on the sentencing.