United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Frank Gallardo, 39, of Porcupine, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact at the conclusion of a three-day federal jury trial in Rapid City. The verdict was returned on August 31, 2016.
The maximum penalty is life imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, lifetime supervised release, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and restitution.
The conviction stems from Gallardo engaging in sexual contact with a female under the age of 12, near Porcupine.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and sentencing is scheduled for January 20, 2017. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.