Lower Brule Man Pleads Guilty to Third Degree Burglary

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that John T. Big Eagle, age 20, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on January 11, 2011, and pled guilty to the indictment that charged him with Third Degree Burglary. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.

The charge stems from Big Eagle's unlawful entrance into Tuffy's Bar and Grill where he took numerous bottles of liquor. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman is prosecuting the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for April 4, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.