Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota man convicted of abusive sexual contact was sentenced on February 25, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Merle Wilson, age 56, was sentenced to 15 months in custody and five years of supervised release. Wilson is also to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

Wilson was indicted for sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact by a federal grand jury on August 14, 2012. He pled guilty to abusive sexual contact on November 30, 2012. The charge stems from an incident occurring on July 30, 2012, in which Wilson and the victim were consuming alcohol. The victim realized she was intoxicated and upon arriving at her home, passed out on the couch in the living room area, fully dressed. Wilson came to her home mid-morning and saw the victim passed out on the living room couch. The victim awoke to find herself naked from the waist down with Wilson on top of her. At no time did the victim consent to Wilson taking off her clothes or engaging in any type of sexual contact.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Wilson was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.