Abusive Sexual Contact Lands Blackfoot Man Behind Bars

A federal grand jury in South Dakota has indicted Ta-Sunka-Hinz Thunder Hawk, 18, for Abusive Sexual Contact. According to U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson, the charges stem from an alleged assault in La Plant, South Dakota in March of 2013.

Thunder Hawk appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 30, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 3 years of custody; a $250,000 fine, or both; a minimum of 5 years up to life of supervised release; a $100 special assessment; and restitution.

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.

The indictment is merely an accusation, and Thunder Hawk is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. He was released on bond pending sentencing. No trial date has been set.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of sex crimes in our communities. At Grimy Times, we are committed to shedding light on these crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Thunder Hawk’s alleged actions are a violation of trust and a betrayal of the community’s trust. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.