United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Adam Joe Hedrick, a/k/a Wah-T Bear Shield, age 33, of Okreek, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on October 20, 2011, and pled guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
At a drinking gathering on February 26, 2010, in Todd County, Adam Joe Hedrick, a/k/a Wah-T Bear Shield, grabbed the victim’s arm and pushed it against a heating element on a stove, causing her arm to burn in a circular burn pattern. When she was burned, she experienced extreme physical pain and serious bodily injury. Her arm later became swollen and infected from the burn. The outline of the burn mark remained visible after the assault.
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 January 9, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.
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