United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Jalen Walking Eagle, age 22, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and First Degree Burglary following a federal trial in Rapid City, South Dakota. The jury returned their verdict on Aug. 24, 2017.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Evidence at trial established Walking Eagle unlawfully entered the home of the victim during the nighttime on Feb. 12, 2017, and assaulted him resulting in serious bodily injury.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date will be set. Walking Eagle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
