July 21, 2014

Dupree Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Christian Whiteman, age 20, was indicted on July 15, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 17, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is at least 30 years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, a minimum of five years up to life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The indictment alleges that between October 1, 2012, and May 29, 2013, Whiteman engaged in, or attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12.

The charge is merely an accusation and Whiteman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.

Whiteman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.