McLaughlin Woman Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Abuse and Neglect of a Disabled Adult
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 29, 2012 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for involuntary manslaughter and abuse and neglect of a disabled adult.
Kathleen Kuzior, a/k/a Kathy Kuzior, age 63, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 16, 2012. She appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 23, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The charges allege that Kuzior left a person with mental and physical disabilities in a house from which he could not escape or be rescued when a fire broke out in March 2012 because the house was filled with garbage, clutter, debris, and hoarding material. The charges are merely accusations, and Kuzior is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.
Kuzior was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.