Mission Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Alverna Eastman, age 52, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 7, 2011, and pled guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund (VAF).

The charge relates to a domestic disturbance that occurred on February 13, 2011, when Eastman cut two men with a knife. She stabbed her brother in the shoulder and cut her husband on the hand.

The investigation was conducted by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for September 27, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.