United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Anthony Little Hoop, Jr., age 22, of St. Francis, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on June 18, 2012 and pled guilty to sexual abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; supervised release for life; and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on August 14, 2010, when Little Hoop had sexual contact with the victim while the victim was unconscious.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for September 4, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.