Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty To Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kevin Ray Apple, age 38, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Chief District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 8, 2013 and pled guilty to Assaulting a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The charge relates to Apple assaulting an Oglala Sioux Tribal Officer with a vehicle during a traffic stop at Pine Ridge on May 21, 2012. 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 was set for June 11, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.