United States Department of Justice Office of the United States Attorney District of South Dakota ***** Marty J. Jackley United States Attorney

337 Federal Building 225 S. Pierre St. Pierre, SD 57501 NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Marty J. Jackley United States Attorney 605-357-2330

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Febraury 11, 2008

St. Francis Man Convicted of Sexual Abuse

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that Keith Eric Hawkman, Sr., age 38, of St. Francis was convicted February 7, 2008, of sexual abuse as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre. This charge carries a maximum penalty of forty years based upon a prior conviction for a sex offense, a $250,000 fine, or both. Hawkman was indicted by a federal grand jury for sexual abuse in January 2007. The charges stem from a May 2006 incident involving a Todd County female victim. This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler. The defendant will be sentenced in approximately thirty days after a presentence investigation has been completed. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.