United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced on April 27 that Jacob Wright, a resident of Mission, South Dakota, has been sentenced to three years and five months in federal prison for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte on April 21.
Wright, age 31, will also serve three years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The case highlights the enforcement of federal laws addressing violent crimes occurring in Indian country.
Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025 and pleaded guilty on January 26, 2026. According to court records, the incident occurred on April 23, 2025 at a residence south of Okreek where Wright and the victim were consuming alcohol. After an argument outside the residence and later re-entering it separately, Wright struck the victim with a metal bar as he entered through the doorway. The attack caused significant injuries including a skull fracture and subdural hematoma that required surgery.
The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby VanDenBerg following an investigation by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The Major Crimes Act requires certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted federally rather than at the state level.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota supports initiatives that improve public safety and quality of life according to its official website. The office enforces federal laws and advances community safety according to its official website, covering all areas within its district according to its official website. It is recognized as the chief federal law enforcement office for South Dakota according to its official website and handles both criminal prosecutions and civil cases according to its official website. As a prosecutorial office established in 1861, it works toward protecting public safety through law enforcement efforts according to its official website.
Wright was immediately remanded into custody following his sentencing.
