United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Timber Lake, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on Aug. 29, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Melanie Buffalo, age 36, was sentenced to 30 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Buffalo was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 21, 2016. She pled guilty on June 6, 2016.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on November 5, 2015, at Timber Lake, when the victim attempted to intervene in a physical altercation that was taking place between Dustin Buffalo and one of the victim’s stepchildren. When the victim attempted to intervene in the altercation, Melanie joined Dustin Buffalo in physically assaulting the victim. Melanie hit the victim first with her fists, and then grabbed a glass and struck the victim on the side of the head, knocking him to the floor. The victim’s head was cut open and he began to bleed. While he was lying on the floor, both Melanie and Dustin Buffalo repeatedly hit and kicked the victim with shod feet.
The victim received medical treatment for his injuries, but continues to have problems with dizziness, headaches, and blurred vision because of the assault.
Dustin Buffalo was previously sentenced to 40 months for his part in the crime.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Melanie Buffalo was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
