20-Year-Old Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota
July 7, 2009

United States Attorney Marty J. Jackley announced that a woman charged with involuntary manslaughter was sentenced on July 6, 2009, by US District Court Chief Judge Karen E. Schreier. Jolene Chief Bear, age 20, of Wanblee, was sentenced to thirty-seven months' imprisonment, three years’ supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Victims’ Assistance Fund. Chief Bear was indicted for involuntary manslaughter by a federal grand jury on December 16, 2008. On or about October 22, 2008, Chief Bear had consumed alcoholic beverages, and while driving her vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drove too fast for the road conditions. One of her passengers was a five-month-old child who was not restrained in a child safety seat as required by law and was killed in the accident Chief Bear pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter on May 18, 2009. This case was investigated by the FBI and BIA. The case was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Mara M. Kohn. Chief Bear was immediately turned over to the custody of the US Marshal.