United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Norman Blue Coat, age 32, was indicted on Feb. 17, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on Feb. 19, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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 Nov. 11, 2015, at Eagle Butte, Blue Coat, Jr., forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, resulting in the infliction of bodily injury to the officer. The alleged incident happened while the officer was employed with the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, assigned to perform law enforcement functions, and was engaged in his official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Blue Coat, Jr., is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.
Blue Coat, Jr., 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
