United States Attorney Joe W. Stecher and the Federal Bureau of Investigation announce the following information for the attention of the media:

Event Triggering this Release: United States District Court Judge Laurie Smith Camp sentenced Dale Norman Blackfish, Sr. for his conviction of sexual abuse of a minor. Blackfish was sentenced to 35 months of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. Blackfish will also be required to register as a sex offender.

Between May of 2005 and October of 2006, the twelve year old female victim visited the defendant at his residence on the Winnebago Indian Reservation on a regular basis. The defendant provided her with alcohol, took her to fast food restaurants in Sioux City and allowed her to drive his car in order to gain her trust. Eventually the defendant convinced the victim to allow him to perform oral sex on her. On at least one other occasion, Blackfish put his hand inside the victims pants and digitally penetrated her while she was driving his car.

Name of Defendant: Dale Norman Blackfish, Sr.

AKA:

Age: 70

City of residence: Winnebago

Crime(s) Charged and Potential Penalty (A CHARGE is merely an accusation and every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty): Sexual abuse of a minor in violation of 18 U.S.C.§2243. The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Specific Location of Alleged Crime: Winnebago

Location of Arrest: Winnebago

Alleged Dollar Loss/Type and Quantity of Drug:

Others Charged in Same Scheme:

Relevant Dates:

Date of Alleged Crime: May 2005 to October 2006

Federal Arrest Date: September 11, 2007

Date Complaint Issued: September 7, 2007

Indictment Returned Date: September 19, 2007

Initial Appearance Date: September 11, 2007

Plea or Trial and Date(s): November 26, 2007

Sentencing Date: April 28, 2008

Next Court Hearing Type and Date: none

Assigned Magistrate Judge: Honorable Thomas D. Thalken

Held without Bond, or Released from Custody: released on bond on 10/22/07

In Continuous Custody Since:

Assigned District Court Judge: Honorable Laurie Smith Camp

Initials of Assigned AUSA/Preparer of THIS Release: DRS