U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission woman charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on October 3, 2011, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Tonya Lynn Waln, a/k/a Tonya Leader Charge, age 35, was sentenced to 3 months custody; 3 years of supervised release, a $100 special assessment, and $144,293.54 in restitution.
The Defendant was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2011 and pled guilty to the indictment in July 2011.
The charge stems from an incident on or about October 13, 2010, when Tonya Lynn Waln, a/k/a Tonya Leader Charge, and another woman began drinking around noon, and continued drinking into the evening. Waln, who was intoxicated, then got into her car and left.
Just prior to the collision, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Waln placed a phone call to a friend indicating she was going to intentionally run into a semi truck and whatever happens, happens. At approximately 10:36 p.m., Rosebud Dispatch received a call for assistance reporting a traffic accident with a semi truck on fire and a car in the ditch. Both Waln and the truck driver received injuries and were transported by ambulance to Rosebud IHS as a result of Waln driving her vehicle into the semi truck.
As a result of the crash, the victim suffered a distal fibular fracture and tibial pilon fracture to his left leg. He had to have a lateral side plate, screws and pins inserted in his leg. He also suffered a left ankle fracture. He has required two surgeries to his left leg. The victim also suffered flash burns to his face.
The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.
Waln was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
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