McLaughlin Man Indicted for 13 Counts of Sexual Abuse and One Count of Child Abuse
| U.S. Attorney's Office April 21, 2011 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for 13 counts of sexual Aabuse against two alleged victims and one count of child abuse.
Michael Seibel, age 40, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2011, for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a minor, abusive sexual contact with a minor, and child abuse. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on April 20, 2011, and pled not guilty to the 14-count indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is any term of years up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; five years of supervised release; and a $100 Special Assessment. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges related to the alleged sexual assault of two victims between November 2002 and December 2010. The charges are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case. Seibel was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.