Matthew Peneaux, Child Sexual Abuse, SD 2015-2016

Matthew Peneaux, a 34-year-old man from Mission, South Dakota, is facing federal charges for the sexual abuse of a minor, accused of preying on a young girl over a yearlong stretch between 2015 and 2016.

Peneaux, also known as Matthew Swalley, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 24, 2017, on one count of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 16, 2018, where he formally entered a plea of not guilty.

The indictment alleges that from on or about March 28, 2015, through April 30, 2016, Peneaux knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts with a minor female. The crimes, if proven, carry a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

In addition to incarceration and fines, Peneaux could face up to life under court-ordered supervised release if convicted. The court may also impose a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and order restitution to the victim.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, underscoring the severity and federal jurisdiction of the allegations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is leading the prosecution.

Peneaux was released pending trial, and no trial date has been scheduled. The charge is presumed an accusation under the law, and Peneaux is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.