Pine Ridge Man Charged with Sexual Abuse
| U.S. Attorney’s Office May 03, 2012 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 16.
Benjamin Leonard, age 57, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 24, 2012, for aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse of a minor. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 1, 2012, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Leonard is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Leonard was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.