St. Francis Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota
February 27, 2013

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota man convicted of involuntary manslaughter was sentenced on February 20, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Thomas Hacker, Sr., age 50, was sentenced to 30 months in custody, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

Hacker was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2012, and pled guilty to the charge on November 26, 2012.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on August 25, 2012, when Hacker was driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Hacker’s vehicle left the roadway traveling onto the shoulder of the road. Hacker decelerated as he came out of the shoulder and struck the victim who was walking along the edge of the road. The victim died from injuries sustained in the crash. Hacker’s blood alcohol level was determined to be 0.255 at the time of the crash.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

Hacker was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.