Little Eagle Man Pleads Guilty to Habitual Domestic Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Arthur Taken Alive, age 44, of Little Eagle, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 13, 2012 , and pled guilty to a Superseding Information that charged him with Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

The conviction arose from a May 2011 incident in which Taken Alive assaulted a male victim by striking the victim in the face with his fist. Prior to this incident, Taken Alive had been convicted, at least twice, in tribal court for domestic violence.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency, conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 26, 2012. The defendant was detained pending sentencing.