Abusive Sexual Contact Lands McLaughlin Man 10-Year Prison Sentence

ABERDEEN, SD – In a disturbing case of child abuse, 62-year-old Benjamin Eagle of McLaughlin, South Dakota, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for engaging in Abusive Sexual Contact with a 9-year-old child on the Standing Rock Reservation.

According to court documents, the abuse occurred on August 9, 2022, while Eagle was visiting a residence in McLaughlin. The child later disclosed the abuse at a child advocacy center in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Eagle, who pleaded guilty on November 20, 2023, admitted to using force to engage in sexual contact with the child and knew the wrongfulness of his actions at the time of the offense.

The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office due to the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute that mandates certain violent crimes committed in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher prosecuted the case, while the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, conducted the investigation.

Eagle was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He will also serve five years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of child abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations like children. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims of crime and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.