United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rapid City, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Escape from Custody.
Elias LaPointe, age 23, was indicted on May 24, 2016, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on June 3, 2016. He pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charge relates to LaPointe leaving the Community Education Center halfway house and not returning as instructed. The charge is merely an accusation and LaPointe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case.
LaPointe was detained pending trial. A trial date has been set for July 26, 2016.