Fort Thompson Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Failure to Register

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Simon Antelope, Jr., age 33, of Fort Thompson, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 14, 2012, and pled guilty to an Information that charged him with Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. In addition, he pled guilty to an Indictment filed in a separate case pending against him that charged Assaulting a Federal Officer. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the Failure to Register charge is 10 years' imprisonment, a $250, 000 fine, or both. The maximum penalty upon conviction for Assaulting a Federal Officer is 8 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

Antelope was previously convicted of abusive sexual contact in 2007. As a condition of his supervised release, he was required to register as a sex offender. Antelope signed registration paperwork four times before leaving Sioux Falls. His whereabouts remained unknown until his arrest by BIA officers in April 2012.

During the booking process, Antelope shoved and then charged the officer, causing a physical struggle which resulted in Antelope striking the officer in the forehead with his hand.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency and the U.S. Marshal’s Service. 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 November 5, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.