Federal Jury Convicts Porcupine Man of Five Charges of Abusive Sexual Contact

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Gary Pourier, age 59, of Porcupine, South Dakota, of five charges of Abusive Sexual Contact, following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 16, 2026.

The charges carry a sentence of up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, and a $500 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Pourier was indicted in August 2024.

In July of 2024, Pourier was at the Common Cents Convenience Store near Porcupine when he made contact with the 10-year-old female victim. Pourier sexually fondled the young girl inside the store. After the victim left the store, she reported to a guardian what had happened. Law Enforcement with the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety responded to the scene as well as the child's home. Based on the child's age, the Federal Bureau of Investigation also responded. The investigation revealed that Pourier made contact with the child, fondled her breasts, and pulled her into his body and would not let the child immediately leave.

The investigating agent with the FBI discovered that this was not the first time Pourier had been accused of sexually touching a child. In 2005, Pourier engaged in sexual contact with two young female children while their mothers attended a cultural ceremony. Both children reported the contact several months later and an investigation was initiated by the FBI in 2006. In 2006, Pourier admitted to becoming aroused while playing with the children. Pourier, however, was never charged.

In the fall of 2024, the FBI learned of another victim. Pourier sexually touched a teenaged girl inside a truck in the summer of 2023, following a sundance ceremony. In total, Pourier was indicted for sexually touching four victims.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for August 3, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

If you or anyone you know has information about additional crimes Pourier might have committed, please contact FBI Special Agent Brian Healy at 605-343-9632.