Lower Brule Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Officer

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that James C. LaRoche, age 37, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 21, 2011, and pled guilty to an Information that charged Assaulting a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years' imprisonment.
The charge stems from an incident in April of 2011.

The defendant was being arrested and refused to comply with the arresting officer. LaRoche struggled while the law enforcement officer attempted to place him in the police car. The officer was forced to move around the vehicle and attempt to pull the defendant into the car. While doing so, LaRoche kicked backwards, striking the officer in the chest, knocking the wind out of him and causing pain and discomfort.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for October 17, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.