United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Rheta Haskell, a/k/a Rheta Miner, age 38, was sentenced to 16 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Haskell was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 19, 2017. She pled guilty on May 15, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on October 8, 2016, when Haskell approached the victim near the civil courts building in Eagle Butte. Both had been drinking previously. Haskell had heard rumors that the victim had been with Haskell’s ex-husband. When Haskell saw the victim, she told the victim to stay away from her ex-husband. The victim denied knowing what Haskell was talking about. Haskell became angry and assaulted the victim. The victim was bleeding heavily from her face and lost consciousness. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained serious injuries. She had had significant swelling and trauma to her face, orbital regions and scalp. Hospital staff were unable to visualize the right pupil due to the significant swelling to the victim’s right eye. Her left pupil floated towards the inner eye and would not look straight. Five (5) staples were used to close the laceration to the left side of her head. Due to the nature of her head injury, the victim was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Haskell 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
