United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, Opposing, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on Sept. 18, 2017, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
Douglas LaPlante, Jr., age 26, was sentenced to 12 months in custody, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
LaPlante was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 15, 2017. He pled guilty on June 28, 2017.
The conviction stems from an incident on Oct. 28, 2016, when LaPlante’s girlfriend called the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe (CRST) Police Department because he was intoxicated and she wanted him removed from the residence. A CRST Officer responded to the call. After gaining access to the apartment, the officer confirmed that LaPlante’s girlfriend still wanted him to be removed. Once he got confirmation, the officer attempted to remove LaPlante from the residence. LaPlante doubled up his fist and hit the officer in the face/jaw. A struggle ensued between the officer and LaPlante and the two of them fell to the floor. When LaPlante got up, he repeatedly advanced on the officer, swinging at him. At one point, LaPlante got close enough that the officer grabbed him and took him to the ground. LaPlante continued to resist and attempt to get away. The officer was able to retrieve his O.C. spray from his duty belt and apply a single stream to LaPlante's face. This brought LaPlante into compliance, and he was taken into custody.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
LaPlante 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
