Lower Brule Man Pleads Guilty to Third Degree Burglary

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Brian N. LaRoche, age 20, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on March 8, 2011, and pled guilty to the indictment that charged him with Third Degree Burglary and Aiding & Abetting. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.

The charge stems from the burglary of Tuffy's Bar in Lower Brule in May 2009. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for May 23, 2011. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.