RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Kyle, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on September 21, 2026. Richard Garnette, 48, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Garnette will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Garnette was indicted for Aggravated Sexual Abuse by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 9, 2026.
Garnette engaged in sexual contact with a 15-year-old underneath a bridge in rural Martin, South Dakota. This matter was 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. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Garnette was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.