Sep. 11—OACOMA, S.D. — A 31-year-old man from Oacoma was arrested on Sept. 2 and is facing a range of felony and misdemeanor charges related to alleged sexual abuse, drug activity, and child endangerment, according to court documents filed in Lyman County.
Brandon Sazue, Jr., is facing charges that include first-degree rape, classified as a Class C felony, along with aggravated incest, sexual contact with a minor, and two counts of aggravated assault, which are Class 3 felonies. He also faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and maintaining a residence used for drug activity, both categorized as Class 5 felonies. Additional charges include sexual exploitation of a minor, a Class 6 felony, and causing a child to be present where methamphetamine is used, distributed, or manufactured, which is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Sazue, Jr., is the son of Brandon Sazue Sr., a former chairman of the Crow Creek Sioux Tribe who was sentenced to prison five years ago for embezzling tribal funds.
According to court documents, the South Dakota Department of Social Services contacted the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office on the day of the arrest after a juvenile in protective custody disclosed an incident involving Sazue that allegedly occurred earlier that same day at his residence in Oacoma.
The child was later interviewed at the Child Assessment Center in Pierre. During the forensic interview, she alleged that Sazue gave her alcohol and a white powdery substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine. She also reported multiple instances of unwanted sexual contact and stated that Sazue referenced affiliation with a gang and claimed the assault was done under threat of harm to himself or his family.
The juvenile further alleged that following the assault, the suspect made a phone call to another individual to report what had occurred. She also stated that he used a saw-like object to threaten her, causing a minor injury.
Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the Oacoma residence and reported finding methamphetamine residue, used condoms, and a large bladed object consistent with the description provided by the child.
According to court documents, Sazue admitted to some of the acts in a post-arrest interview with police.
Sazue made his initial court appearance on Sept. 4. An arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 2.
Under South Dakota law, first-degree rape carries a potential prison sentence of 10 years to life. Aggravated incest, sexual contact with a minor, and aggravated assault may each result in up to 15 years in prison and fines up to $30,000 per count. Drug-related offenses classified as Class 5 felonies may carry penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Sexual exploitation of a minor, as a Class 6 felony, may result in up to two years in prison. The misdemeanor charge related to child endangerment may result in up to one year in jail and associated fines.
If convicted of all charges and sentenced consecutively, Sazue faces up to 73 years to life in prison.