United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a St. Francis, South Dakota, woman convicted of Simple Assault and Child Abuse has pled guilty to the charges and was sentenced on April 29, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Rita Runs Above, age 35, was sentenced to 132 days in custody, with credit for time served; 6 months of supervised release; and $110 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
During the time frame of March 1, 2012, and July 15, 2012, Runs Above provided alcohol to the victim, physically assaulted the victim, and placed the victim in a situation where the victim was threatened with substantial harm by another.
On Aug. 22, 2012, Runs Above struck the victim several times as the victim was trying to leave a residence.
The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.
Runs Above was released from custody.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
