Eagle Butte Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Child

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child.

Luther Blue Thunder, age 35, was indicted on August 16, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 8, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between May 1, 2011, and September 1, 2012, and again between September 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, at Mission, South Dakota, Blue Thunder knowingly engaged in and attempted to engage in sexual acts or contact with three different victims.  All three victims were children who had not attained the age of 12 years.

The charges are merely accusations and Blue Thunder is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk W. Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

Blue Thunder was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.