Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Curtis Swift Bird, age 44, of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on December 12, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In February 2011, Swift Bird hit a woman in the face, breaking her nose badly enough to require surgery. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for March 5, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.