Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Abuse and Assault

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man for Aggravated Sexual Abuse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Corey Yankton, Sr., age 36, was indicted in July of 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on July 26, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, mandatory minimum of five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Yankton sexually abusing and assaulting a female at Wolf Creek in March of 2023.

The charges are merely accusations and Yankton is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth is prosecuting the case. 

Yankton was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for October 3, 2023.