A Sisseton man has pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of first-degree murder in connection to the 1992 death of a minor.
Jay Adams, Jr., 57, was indicted by a federal grand jury in April and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on April 17. He asked for a jury trial, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A not guilty plea is the only plea that can be entered before a magistrate judge for felony charges.
Adams was released on bond with conditions pending trial, which has been set for June 6 at the federal courthouse in Aberdeen.
Death was by ‘blunt force trauma’
According to the news release and court documents, Adams is accused of causing the death of a female on Sept. 4, 1992 in Roberts County. The death was by “blunt-force trauma to her body and head,” according to the documents.
The charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison upon conviction. A fine of as much as $250,000 could also be ordered.
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Tribal Police Department and the FBI are investigating the case, per the release.
