McLaughlin Man Arraigned on Assault Charge

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting a Federal Officer.

Ronnie White Mountain, age 44, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 12, 2012. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William Gerdes on August 27, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both. The charge is merely an accusation, and White Mountain 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 Morley is prosecuting the case. White Mountain was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has been set for October 30, 2012.