Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty to Abuse of a Minor

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Stephanie Yellow Boy, age 24, of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on February 25, 2010, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged her with abuse of a minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. Yellow Boy pled guilty to striking a child with her hand, causing bruising over the child's face, and shoving a baby bottle into the child's mouth, causing his skin to tear away from his mouth. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg S. Peterman. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for May 17, 2010. The defendant remains released on bond.