Lower Brule Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Keesha Ewing, age 30, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 3, 2012, and pled guilty to Count II of the Indictment that charged her with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from a drinking party held at Ewing's house in December 2011. During the party, Ewing and the victim got into a verbal argument that escalated into a physical altercation. Ewing retrieved a kitchen steak knife and stabbed the victim twice - once in the neck and once in the lower back.

The victim was air-lifted to a hospital in Sioux Falls and received 10 staples to close the stab wound to the neck and 6 staples to close the stab wound in the lower back.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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 September 25, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.