Lake Andes Man Charged with Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual Contact

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Lake Andes, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse and Abusive Sexual Contact.

Frank Sanchez, age 65, was indicted on December 3, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 24, 2020, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, life of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between June 1, 1996, and September 1, 1996, Sanchez knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child who had not attained the age of 12 years. The Indictment also alleges that between June 1, 1996, and September 1, 1996, Sanchez knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contacts with the same child who had not attained the age of 12 years.

The Indictment also alleges that between June 1, 2006, and September 1, 2006, Sanchez knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual contact with a second child who had not attained the age of 12 years.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.   

Sanchez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, which has been set for March 31, 2020.