Oglala Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Killing an Infant in Automobile Accident

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced an Oglala, South Dakota, man convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter. The sentencing took place on January 6, 2025.

Sheldon Flute, 29, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Flute was indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter and Felony Child Abuse and Neglect by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2024.

In August 2023, Flute drove while intoxicated with his 25-day-old infant son in the car. Flute rolled the car near Loneman, South Dakota, fatally injuring the infant, who was not properly strapped in a car seat. Flute then fled the scene with the injured infant and was eventually found by law enforcement at a residence in Red Shirt, South Dakota. The infant passed away from the injuries sustained in the crash.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.

Flute was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.