Arizona Man Charged with Assault

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Phoenix, Arizona, man has been charged by Information with Assault by Striking, Beating or Wounding.

Randy Walthers, age 36, was charged by Information on August 7, 2012. On August 9, he appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes in Aberdeen and pled not guilty to the Information. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 6 months' imprisonment. The charge is merely an accusation, and Walthers is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley and Standing Rock Tribal Prosecutor and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Walker are prosecuting the case. Walthers was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.