APRIL 2024:
Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Stapleton, Nebraska, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter.
Coenrad Jones, age 22, was sentenced to 18 days custody, followed by supervised release until the time he leaves the United States, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $2,100 in restitution.
Jones was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter by a federal grand jury in October of 2022. He pleaded guilty on January 26, 2024.
Jones, a citizen of South Africa, had obtained a work visa and was employed with a farm in Nebraska. On February 1, 2022, shortly after 7:00 pm, Jones was driving westbound on Highway 18, east of Mission, South Dakota, returning to Nebraska after hauling a load of silage. Jones was operating a Freightliner semi, pulling an empty trailer. A Toyota Sienna was traveling in front of Jones. The Sienna was intending a left-hand turn towards the Sinte Gleska University apartments and was stopped in the roadway, waiting for eastbound traffic to clear. Jones was traveling above the posted speed limit of 45 mph and failed to respond in time to the Sienna in the road. Jones collided with the Sienna and a passenger in the van died as a result of the impact.
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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.
DECEMBER 2022:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Stapleton, Nebraska, man for Involuntary Manslaughter.
Coenrad Jones, age 21, pleaded not guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to eight years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on February 1, 2022, in Todd County, Jones killed a man by operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner.
The charge is merely an accusation and Jones is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler is prosecuting the case.
Jones was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for January 31, 2023.
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