Michael T. Farmer Charged with Kidnapping, Assault South Dakota 2019

Kidnapping and Assault Charges Rock St. Francis, South Dakota

A shocking wave of violence has hit the quiet town of St. Francis, South Dakota, as 28-year-old Michael T. Farmer faces a laundry list of serious charges. The indictment, handed down by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2019, accuses Farmer of Kidnapping, Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, Child Abuse, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Farmer appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 6, 2020, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

According to the indictment, Farmer allegedly held a woman against her will, unlawfully assaulted her by strangling and suffocating her, unlawfully assaulted her with a dangerous weapon, and unlawfully assaulted her resulting in bodily injury between October 6, 2019, and October 8, 2019. The indictment further alleges that Farmer abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child.

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case. Farmer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.

The charges against Farmer are mere accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The people of St. Francis, South Dakota, are left shaken by this revelation, and the community is eagerly awaiting justice.

The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are working tirelessly to ensure that Farmer is held accountable for his alleged crimes. As the case unfolds, the Grimy Times will provide updates and ensure that the public remains informed.

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