Wanblee Woman Sentenced in Connection with Death of Her Infant Child

January 30, 2010 - U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a woman charged with abuse of a minor was sentenced on January 27, 2010, by U.S. District Judge Richard H. Battey. Jackie Black Hawk, age 28, of Wanblee, was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment, three years' supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund. Jackie Black Hawk was indicted for abuse of a minor by a federal grand jury on December 16, 2008. Black Hawk and her 5-month-old child were passengers in a vehicle, and Black Hawk knew the vehicle’s driver was intoxicated and driving too fast for the road conditions. The vehicle left the road and rolled numerous times. The driver and Black Hawk placed her 5-month-old child unrestrained in a car seat, and the infant was killed as a result of the crash. Black Hawk pled guilty on October 27, 2009. “The principal obligation of every parent is to protect their children. This case reminds us of the tragic consequences when that role is abdicated,” US Attorney Johnson said. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mara M. Kohn prosecuted the case. Black Hawk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.