United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Hubert Desersa, age 23, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Oct. 23, 2013, and pled guilty to Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding, and Simple Assault.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 18 months in custody and/or a $105,000 fine, and $35 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The conviction stems from an incident that took place on May 31, 2013, when Desersa slapped and hit the victim, knocking her to the floor and tearing her clothes off during the assault. Desersa then followed the victim into another room, where the two struggled over a knife, and the victim was cut on the web of her hand.
The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
