Department of Justice

United States Attorney John C. Richter

Western District of Oklahoma

February 22, 2008

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment against LOUIS F. SAUNSOCI, 29, of Red Rock, Oklahoma, for sexual battery of a 16-year-old Indian girl. According to the indictment, in July of 2007, in Noble County, Saunsoci intentionally touched a 16-year-old's girl's body with his penis in a lewd and lascivious manner without her consent. If convicted, Saunsoci faces no less than 3 years and up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Saunsoci's arraignment is scheduled today in at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon in Oklahoma City before United States Magistrate Judge Gary M. Purcell.

The case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rozia McKinney-Foster. The public is reminded that the indictment is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Reference is made to the indictment for further information.