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Press Release

Fort Thompson Woman Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse.

Amber Touche, age 29, was indicted on April 12, 2022.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 28, 2022, 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, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each count.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on June 10, 2021, in Big Bend, South Dakota, Touche unlawfully killed a human being by asphyxiation.  The Indictment further alleges that Touche abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child under the age of seven.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

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

Updated May 2, 2022

Topics
Indian Country Law and Justice
Violent Crime