Mission Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man charged with Voluntary Manslaughter was sentenced on August 13, 2012, by United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange.  Jason DeSersa, age 19, was sentenced to 174 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, $1000 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

DeSersa was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 8, 2011, and pled guilty to the charge on May 22, 2012.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on October 12, 2011, when DeSersa hit the victim, knocking him to the ground.  While the victim was on the ground, DeSersa and others struck the victim several times, including with a baseball bat.  The victim died as a result of his injuries.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

DeSersa was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal.