Two Men Indicted for Sexual Abuse, Kidnapping, and Aggravated Sexual Abuse
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 11, 2012 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that two men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexual abuse, kidnapping, and aggravated sexual abuse.
Joseph Mark Eagle, age 29, from McLaughlin, and Justin Jerome Howard, age 29, from Wakpala, were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2012. Eagle appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on September 5, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. Howard appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on October 2, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charges relate to an allegation that in August 2008, near McLaughlin, Eagle and Howard assaulted a woman and held her against her will.
The charges are merely accusations, and Eagle and Howard are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.
Eagle and Howard were released on bond pending trial. Trial has been set for November 13, 2012.