FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :    Monday, March 7, 2016
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605)773-3215   

Black Hawk Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Death of Child

PIERRE, S.D.-  Attorney General Marty Jackley and Meade County States Attorney Kevin Krull announced that Thomas James Pentecost, 29, Black Hawk, was sentencing to 40 years for the death of a 21-month-old child.  Pentecost pled guilty to first degree manslaughter in November 2015.

“The reckless death of a child is intolerable and the underlying methamphetamine use confirms the dangers of drug addiction and the tragedies that all too often follow as a result,” said Jackley. “Our thoughts and prayers are now with Bentley and his family and the hope that some closure may came as a result of the court sentence.”

On April 19, 2015, Pentecost, while under the influence of methamphetamine, abused the child resulting in intracranial bleeding and brain swelling. Pentecost, after seriously injuring the child, placed the child back in his crib and failed to seek medical help, ultimately causing the death of the child. 

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