PIERRE — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - South Dakota), published as received.
PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child and Abusive Sexual Contact With a Child.
David Paxton, age 69, was indicted in May of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on October 27, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between August 24, 2017, and July 31, 2021, in Todd County, South Dakota, Paxton knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, a sexual act with a child under the age of 12. The indictment further alleges that between May 29, 1988, and March 19, 1992, in Todd County, Paxton knowingly engaged in, and attempted to engage in, sexual acts or sexual contact with three other children, who were under the age of 12.
The charges are merely accusations and Paxton is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson is prosecuting the case.
Paxton was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for December 13, 2022.
