United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury to a Child.

Makayla Kills In Water, age 20, was indicted on October 15, 2014. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on November 6, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about September 20, 2014, Kills In Water unlawfully assaulted a child who had not attained the age of 18 years old, and said assault resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charge is merely an accusation and Kills In Water is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.

Kills In Water was released on bond. A trial date has been set for December 2, 2014.