ST. FRANCIS, SD – Abraham Joseph Crane, 64, of St. Francis, South Dakota, is facing a lifetime behind bars after being indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child. The indictment, handed down May 14, 2019, details disturbing allegations of predatory behavior targeting a vulnerable victim.
According to court documents, Crane, also known as Abraham Joseph Pretty Voice and Sam Crane, allegedly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12. The alleged abuse took place between August 1, 2018, and November 16, 2018, within Todd County, South Dakota. The specifics of the allegations remain sealed, but the charges paint a grim picture of exploitation.
Crane appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 17, 2019, and entered a plea of not guilty to the indictment. However, the federal government is prepared to pursue a harsh sentence if convicted. The maximum penalty Crane faces is up to life in federal prison, a staggering $250,000 fine, and a potential supervised release period ranging from 5 years to life. He would also be required to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, with the possibility of restitution ordered by the court.
The investigation into these heinous crimes was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, demonstrating a coordinated response to protect the community’s most vulnerable members. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is leading the prosecution, promising a vigorous defense of the alleged victim and a relentless pursuit of justice.
Following his arraignment, Crane was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he will remain pending trial. As of press time, a trial date has not been set, leaving the victim and the community in a state of anxious anticipation. It is crucial to remember that these are merely allegations, and Crane is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely, providing updates as they become available. This indictment serves as a stark reminder of the dark underbelly that exists even in seemingly quiet corners of the country, and the importance of reporting any suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the FBI or the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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