Parmelee Woman Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of Alcohol with Minors Present in the Motor Vehicle

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jennifer Leigh Grassrope, age 20, of Parmelee, South Dakota, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 10, 2011, and pled guilty to three counts of Operating a Motor Vehicle under the Influence of Alcohol with a Minor Present in the Motor Vehicle. The maximum penalty upon conviction on each charge is one year in custody, a $100,000 fine, or both; up to one year of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges relate to Grassrope driving while under the influence of alcohol with a minors present in the vehicles she was driving. On August 27, 2010, Grassrope drove a vehicle to Spring Creek, South Dakota, while under the influence, with two minors in the vehicle. The same day, Grassrope offended again when she drove a vehicle to Parmelee, South Dakota, while under the influence of alcohol, and again with two minors present in the vehicle. On November 4, 2010, Grassrope was again driving while under the influence of alcohol with a different minor present in the vehicle. Grassrope lost control of the vehicle and drove the vehicle into a ditch during this incident. The investigations were conducted by Rosebud Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.