Eagle Butte Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Leland Benoist, age 31, of Eagle Butte, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on April 18, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment.

The charge relates to the assault of a woman in Eagle Butte on September 6, 2010. The investigation was conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 18, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.