Joseph Blue Bird, Failure to Register, SD 2016

GRIMY NEWS — A St. Francis, South Dakota, resident has been slammed with federal charges for failing to register as a sex offender. Joseph Blue Bird, 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 13, 2016, for not updating his registration as required by law.

The allegations against Blue Bird claim that he deliberately skipped out on the legal obligation to keep his status current between June 16, 2016, and September 13, 2016. The U.S. Attorney Randolph J. Seiler has issued a stern warning that if convicted, Blue Bird could be facing up to ten years behind bars along with a $250,000 fine.

Blue Bird made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Mark A. Moreno on March 29, 2017, where he entered a not guilty plea. The potential sentence also includes at least five years of supervised release and a contribution of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, with restitution possible as well.

Despite the serious nature of the charges, Blue Bird is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The U.S. Marshals Service is spearheading the investigation into this matter, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley assigned to prosecute the case.

Blue Bird was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service while he awaits his day in court, which has been scheduled for May 23, 2017.

This is a stark reminder of the stringent measures in place to ensure sex offenders comply with the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Stay tuned as this gritty case develops.

RELATED: Howell Teacher Duane Millar Gets 7 Years for Child Porn

RELATED: Quick Bear Sentenced for Sex Offender Registration Failure