Rapid City Man Pleads Guilt To Assault Charge

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jeffrey M. Chips, a/k/a Jeffrey M. Chipps, age 23, of Rapid City, South Dakota appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on February 12, 2013 and pled guilty to Count II of the Indictment that charged him with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 3 years.

The conviction stems from an incident on the 4th day of May, 2012 when the Defendant was riding in a car in Mission, South Dakota. The vehicle came upon two women walking along the road, the vehicle stopped and two occupants exited and confronted the victim. A fight ensued and Chipps then exited the vehicle and joined in the assault. As a result, the victim sustained a broken jaw, among other injuries.

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 6, 2013. The Defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.