Porcupine Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Contact

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jefferson Swallow, age 20, of Porcupine, appeared before US District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on June 24, 2011, and pled guilty to a charge of Abusive Sexual Contact. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Between May 2009 and September 2009, Swallow engaged in sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe-Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for September 19, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending sentencing.