United
States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced today that a federal
grand jury returned an indictment on May 6, 2008, charging Akeem
Rooks, age 18, of Cherry Creek, with arson that endangered human
life. The charge relates to a May 2, 2008, fire that destroyed
a residence in Cherry Creek which is located approximately sixty
miles south of Dupree on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation.
The fire claimed the lives of a four-year-old child and a two-year
old child. This incident is being investigated by the FBI, the
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division and the ATF.
The charge is merely an accusation and Rooks is presumed innocent
until and unless proven guilty. The maximum penalty upon conviction
is custody for any term of years up to life, a $250,000 fine,
or both; five years supervised release, a violation of condition
of release could result in five years additional incarceration
for each occurrence. The defendant is presently in the custody
of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. His initial appearance in federal
court is set for May 9, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. The case is being prosecuted
by Assistant US Attorney Mikal Hanson.