United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for using brass knuckles to assault another female at Pine Ridge on August 7, 2010.
Sammi Jo Herman, age 22, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 19, 2011, for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. She appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on June 1, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges are merely accusations, and Herman is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah B. Collins is prosecuting the case. Herman was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.
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