United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte man charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance (Marijuana) was sentenced on May 9, 2012, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Eric Paul Red Bird, Sr., age 31, was sentenced to 60 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.
Red Bird was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, drug user in possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and asset forfeiture by a federal grand jury on January 18, 2012. The conviction arose from a July 12, 2010, incident when Eric Paul Red Bird, Sr., was driving a car that collided with a second vehicle on SD Highway 212 in Eagle Butte. Officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Police Department responded and arrested Red Bird for driving while under the influence. A pat down search of Red Bird at the time of his arrest revealed marijuana, and he was transported to jail. At the jail, more marijuana was found on Red Bird. An inventory search of Red Bird's car revealed over 1.5 ounces of additional marijuana, a .12 gauge shotgun, and eight boxes of shotgun shells.
Red Bird pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance on March 4, 2012.
This case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.
Red Bird was immediately turned over to the custody of the United States Marshal to begin serving his sentence. |
