U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jesse Burton Hopkins, age 24, of Sisseton, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on December 20, 2011, and pled guilty to the indictment that charged him with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment.
The conviction stems from an incident in June 2010 when the Defendant, out of nowhere, threw a “haymaker” punch at the victim, striking him in the face with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground. The victim was taken by ambulance to Chamberlain where it was determined he had a fractured jaw. The victim underwent surgery that included the extraction of a tooth. His jaw had to be wired shut for several weeks.
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 March 12, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.
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