United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact by Force was sentenced on June 13, 2022, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
Justis Running Bear, age 23, was sentenced to six years in federal prison, followed by six years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Running Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 13, 2021. He pleaded guilty on March 14, 2022.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on March 28, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, when Running Bear did knowingly engage in sexual contact with the victim by use of force.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Running Bear was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.