March 9, 2015

Kyle Woman Indicted in Death of Infant

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Kyle, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Felony Child Abuse and Neglect.

Jeannie Janis, age 29, was indicted on February 18, 2015. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 4, 2015, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment charges that in June of 2014, at Pine Ridge, Janis caused the death of her five-week old baby boy.

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

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.

Janis was released pending trial. A trial date has not been set.