United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wagner, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Child Abuse and Neglect and Involuntary Manslaughter.
Chelsea Andersh, age 26, was indicted on March 2, 2022. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about September 11, 2021, Andersh intentionally and knowingly abused, exposed, tortured, tormented, and cruelly punished a child who had not attained the age of seven by subjecting him to an environment which was lacking in proper parental care through the actions and omissions of Andersh, and which was injurious to the child’s welfare. Andersh’s actions led to the death of the child.
The charges are merely accusations and Andersh is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Charles Mix County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is prosecuting the case.
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Andersh was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.