Flandreau Man Charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Flandreau, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse of a Minor.

Stephon Ross, age 28, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in a 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 charge relates to Ross knowingly engaging in a sexual act with a minor female, who had not attained the age of 16 and was at least four years younger than Ross.

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

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

Ross was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has been set for January 5, 2021.