LITTLE EAGLE, SD – Chavez Spotted Horse, 40, of Little Eagle, South Dakota, is facing a potential lifetime of federal prison time after being indicted on charges of Child Abuse and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The allegations paint a disturbing picture of repeated violence against a juvenile victim.
According to documents unsealed this week, a federal grand jury returned the indictment on January 19, 2017. The charges stem from incidents occurring between November 27, 2016, and November 30, 2016. Prosecutors allege Spotted Horse repeatedly struck the victim – three separate times – using common household objects as weapons: a kitchen spoon, a rod, and a plastic hanger.
Spotted Horse appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 27, 2017, and entered a plea of not guilty. Despite the plea, the potential consequences remain severe. If convicted on both counts, Spotted Horse could face up to 60 years in federal custody. The penalties don’t stop there: a fine of up to $1,500,000, three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $600 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund are also on the table. Restitution to the victim may also be ordered by the court.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, led the investigation into these disturbing allegations. Federal authorities have been increasingly focused on crimes occurring within tribal lands, a region often underserved by law enforcement resources. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case, signaling the seriousness with which the Department of Justice is treating these charges.
Following his arraignment, Spotted Horse was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he will remain pending trial. No trial date has been set at this time, leaving the victim and the community in a state of uncertainty. The wheels of justice, however, are turning.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely accusations at this stage. Chavez Spotted Horse is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any developments as they unfold. The safety and well-being of children remains paramount, and we will hold those who allegedly harm them accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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