NDN Collective is seeking higher charges for Box Elder man accused of chasing and assaulting a child

RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – Wesley Scott Cale Jr., 38, of Box Elder is charged with child abuse and simple assault after an incident in September, but NDN Collective and several community members are calling for increased charges.

Cale is accused of chasing and assaulting a 13-year-old Box Elder child on September 26, leaving the teen with a sprained jaw and a concussion.

NDN says Cale’s wife witnessed the crime, brought the child home, but did not call 911 despite being a mandatory reporter. No charges are filed against her.

NDN Collective gathered outside the Meade County Courthouse Thursday morning before Wesley’s arraignment to call for Wesley to face more serious charges and charge his wife.

Members of NDN Collective and parents of other children present at the alleged incident spoke.

“We want to bring this attention to the community and call for action to be aware, to continue to shine a spotlight on this issue and demand accountability for both aggressors Wesley and Alicia Cale. And we want to make sure that the DA does the right thing and that accountability is placed on the community as well as other community members here, both in Box Elder and in Rapid City,” said Eva Cardenas, organizing director of NDN Collective.

NDN Collective launched a petition to have Wesley’s charge of simple assault elevated to aggravated assault, in addition to the charge against his wife.

Wesley’s next court date is November 13.

KOTA Territory News has reached out to the Meade County Prosecutor’s Office and Cale’s attorney, but has not received a response at this time.

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