United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Wakpala, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor.
Charles Edward Gabe, age 19, was indicted on January 21, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 4, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $500,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, a mandatory special assessment of up to $10,000, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about January 4, 2016, Gabe knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in a sexual act, by the use of force, with a minor who had attained the age of 12 years, but had not attained the age of 16 years.
The charges are merely accusations and Gabe is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.
Gabe was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.