McLaughlin Man Charged with Sexual Assault

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

Jerome Goodhouse, age 26, was indicted on October 17, 2017.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 16, 2018, 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 up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on April 5, 2016, Goodhouse knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a minor female victim, by the use of force.  

The charges are merely accusations and Goodhouse is 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.   

Goodhouse was released on bond pending trial, which has not been set.