Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Tribal Officer

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man charged with Assaulting a Federal Officer was sentenced on November 2, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. Bennett Leroy Sierra, Jr., age 41, was sentenced to 33 months' imprisonment and 2 years' supervised release and was ordered to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

In May 2011, Sierra kicked a tribal police officer who was arresting him, causing contusions and bruising. He pled guilty on June 25, 2012.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.

Sierra was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.