United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Michael James Farmer, age 26, of Fort Thompson, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Sept. 23, 2013, and pled guilty to the Information that charged him with Simple Assault-Domestic Violence, and Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding-Domestic Violence.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 6 months of imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $10 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund on each count. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges stem from incidents on Jan. 19, 2013 and Jan. 21, 2013, wherein Farmer assaulted the mother of his children by biting her on the arm and back and hitting her with a broom handle.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Farmer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing which has been set for Nov. 20, 2013.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
