United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Ira Weasel, age 32, of Little Eagle, South Dakota appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on May 20, 2013 and pled guilty to an Indictment that charged him with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ custody, a $250,000 fine or both, 3 years supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The conviction stems from an incident on Dec. 24, 2012 when Weasel was socializing at his sister’s home in Little Eagle. Also present was the victim, among others. At some point during the evening, Weasel and the victim got into a verbal altercation, at which time Weasel rushed the victim, pinned her against a wall and began to strangle her. The victim lost consciousness and her body went limp. Weasel released his grasp causing the victim to fall face first onto the floor, where she began to convulse and remained unconscious for several minutes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 9, 2013. The Defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
