Eagle Butte Woman Arraigned on Assault Charges

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury on three counts of Assaulting a Federal Officer.

Dellenita LaClaire, age 48, and a co-defendant were indicted by a federal grand jury on August 22, 2012. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 6, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charges are merely accusations, and LaClaire is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Rich is prosecuting the case. LaClaire was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has been set for November 6, 2012.