Two Pine Ridge Women Plead Guilty to Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Sarah Herman, age 19, and Sammi Herman, age 23, both of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on January 4, 2012, and pled guilty to Assault By Striking, Beating, and Wounding. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 6 months' imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine.

In August 2010, after a verbal altercation, Sammi Herman struck another female and Sarah Herman sprayed mace at her while attending the Oglala Nation Fair near Pine Ridge. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for March 20, 2012. The defendants were released on bond pending sentencing.