Spring Creek Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jacqueline White Buffalo Chief, age 40, of Spring Creek, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 19, 2011. She pled guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The charge relates to a disturbance that occurred on January 9, 2011, when the victim was at Defendant’s residence. The victim, who has an amputated leg and arm, dates Defendant’s son. At some point, the Defendant and the victim started arguing, and Defendant got mad and cocked her fist back, but did not strike the victim. Defendant jumped on the victim and also grabbed her leg and pushed it back, exerting pressure on the victim’s torso, and breaking her clavicle in the process.

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 October 4, 2011. The defendant were released on bond pending sentencing.