Ft. Thompson Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tory Ray Kirkie, age 22, of Ft. Thompson, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on September 27, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Assaulting a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years' imprisonment.

The charge stems from an incident on July 4, 2011, when Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Molanna Clifford was attempting to arrest the defendant on a federal warrant for a supervised release violation. The defendant began to struggle with Officer Clifford. Buffalo County Sheriff Wayne William responded to a call to assist Officer Clifford. The defendant continued to struggle with both officers. During the struggle, the defendant swung his arm with a closed fist towards Officer Clifford. She attempted to avoid the blow but was unsuccessful and was struck in the nose by the defendant with a closed fist.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency. 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 December 19, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.