Couple Charged with Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse of a Minor

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aiding and Abetting Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Julia Pease, age 24, of Fort Thompson, South Dakota, and Chad Pease, age 44, of Chamberlin, South Dakota, were indicted on March 12, 2019.  Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 21, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on July 6, 2015, and September 1, 2015, the Defendants engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with a minor.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Both were released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.