Manderson Man Pleads Guilty To Interstate Transportation Of Stolen Motor Vehicle

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Clayton J. Fire Thunder, age 38, of Manderson, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 13, 2013 and pled guilty to Interstate Transportation of Stolen Motor Vehicle. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

On January 13, 2012 at White Clay, Nebraska, Fire Thunder stole a pickup truck and led police units on a chase around the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota before being cornered by police. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be scheduled. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.