Eagle Butte Man Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Lester Metcalf, age 29, of Eagle Butte, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 18, 2011, and pled guilty to two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The maximum penalty for each count upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The facts supporting the first incident are that: On June 10, 2011, Metcalf was at a drinking party in Eagle Butte, when he jumped off the couch and began hitting the victim, knocking the victim to the floor. Metcalf hit and kicked the victim with shod feet, inflicting serious injury to the victim's ear. A second victim attempted to render aid to the first victim when Metcalf hit her and kicked her with shod feet.
The facts supporting the second incident are that: On October 9, 2010, Metcalf approached two victims from behind. Metcalf tapped one of the victims on the shoulder and then pushed her to the ground. Metcalf then pushed the other victim to the ground and hit him with a small iron bar. The first victim then attempted to come to the other victim's aid when Metcalf struck her on the head with the small iron bar and punched her in the face.

The investigation was conducted by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for October 17, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.