Chicago man sentenced to Six months in custody for Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Chicago, Illinois, man charged with Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding was sentenced on June 6, 2011, by United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno. Steven Nichols, age 40, was sentenced to six months in custody and a $10 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

Nichols was charged by Information on March 14, 2011. On Sunday, March 6, 2011, between the hours of 10 and 11 a.m., Stevie Jo Stacy, also known as Stevie Jo Hocking, engaged in a verbal argument with her boyfriend, Nichols. Nichols struck Stacy in the face, striking her in the eye and nose. Stacy’s left eye was very swollen, and she had marks on her face and neck. Nichols pled guilty on April 1, 2011.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher and Rosebud Sioux Tribal Prosecutor Matthew L. Rappold. Rappold has been designated as a Special Assistant United States Attorney as part of the U.S. Attorney's Community Prosecution Strategy in an effort to foster greater cooperation between federal and tribal law enforcement officials. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.

Nichols was immediately turned over to the custody of the United States Marshal.