Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Child Endangerment Resulting in Death

January 30, 2010 - U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that John Bissonette, age 37, of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard H. Battey on January 27, 2010, and pled guilty to count two of an indictment that charged him with abuse of a minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years' imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Bissonette and the child’s mother had consumed alcoholic beverages and then placed their 5-month-old child in the same bed in which both adults were sleeping. The child was killed as a result of being rolled upon by one of the adults. Bissonette pled guilty to placing his 5-month-old child in a dangerous environment instead of placing the child in his own bed or another secure place. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mara M. Kohn. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for April 13, 2010. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.