Eagle Butte Man Indicted for Illegal Possession of Firearm & Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug user in possession of a firearm, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

Eric Paul Red Bird, Sr., age 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 18, 2012. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 15, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charges are merely accusations, and Red Bird is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case. Red Bird was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.