Fort Thompson Man Charged With Arson And Burglary

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Arson and Burglary.

Lewis Brown, Jr., age 21, was indicted on December 9, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 18, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.  

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about October 15, 2014, Brown willfully and maliciously set fire to and burned a duplex.  Brown is also alleged to have entered and remained in an occupied structure, without permission, during night time, with the intent to commit the crime of arson.

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

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Brown was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.