Defendant Convicted of Sexual Molestation and Witness Tampering

PIERRE, SD—United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Thomas William Frederick, age 60, of Carter, South Dakota, was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sexual contact with a minor, and tampering with a witness as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. These charges carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; up to life of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered. Frederick was indicted by a federal grand jury for aggravated sexual abuse of a child, sexual contact with a minor, attempted sexual abuse of a minor, and tampering with a witness. The charges stem from incidents in which Frederick knowingly and intentionally sexually abused a child under the age of 12 between 2002 and 2003 in Todd County. He also knowingly and intentionally had sexual contact with a child under the age of 16 years between 2008 and 2009 in Todd County. He then tried to hide the truth by telling one of the victims to not tell the truth to law enforcement officers about the sexual activity. This case was investigated by the FBI, Rosebud Law Enforcement Services, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 28, 2011. The defendant was released on bond and must self-report to the custody of the U.S. Marshal on December 28, 2010.