United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Robbery of Mail.
Elmer LaRoche, age 27, was indicted on July 15, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 22, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on or about May 27, 2014, LaRoche assaulted a U.S. postal employee who has lawful charge, custody and control of United States mail and other property of the United States, with intent to rob mail and other property. In doing so, LaRoche put the life of the employee in jeopardy by the use of a dangerous weapon.
The charge is merely an accusation and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
