Wakpala Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor
| U.S. Attorney’s Office October 18, 2012 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tyrel DeMarrias, a/k/a Tyrell DeMarrias, age 24, of Wakpala, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on October 16, 2012, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with sexual assault of a minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.
The conviction arose from the sexual assault of a minor victim in Wakpala, South Dakota, in September 2011. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for January 3, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.