Pine Ridge Man Charged with Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that a Pine Ridge man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 12. Fernando White Butterfly, age 24, was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 25, 2009, for sexual abuse of a minor. He appeared before US Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on August 31, 2009, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is fifteen years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation and White Butterfly is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the BIA and FBI. Assistant US Attorney Carolyn G. Olson is prosecuting the case. White Butterfly was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.