Eagle Butte Man Pleads Guilty to Burglary

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Delon Holy Bear, age 42, of Eagle Butte, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on December 13, 2011, and pled guilty to the indictment that charged Third Degree Burglary. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.

The conviction stems from an incident in June of 2011 when Delon Holy Bear and another individual unlawfully broke into the Cheyenne River Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs-Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Government Building and stole two pieces of Native American art and a box of blankets. After leaving the building, the items were sold to unknown individuals.

The investigation was conducted by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Britt M. Haxton.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for March 6, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.