United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Using and Carrying a Firearm during and in Relation to a Crime of Violence.
Vernon Robert Schmidt, a/k/a Sonny Bob Schmidt, age 28, was indicted on July 15, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Mark A. Moreno on July 18, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 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 26, 2014, in Todd County, Schmidt assaulted two victims with a dangerous weapon, that is, a 9mm pistol, and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury to one of the victims. At the time of the assault, Schmidt, having previously been convicted of a crime punishable for a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a firearm and ammunition, and did so during and in relation to a crime of violence.
The charge is merely an accusation and Schmidt is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim Maher is prosecuting the case.
Schmidt 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
