Bullhead Woman Charged With Assaulting A Federal Officer

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Bullhead, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Darla Yellow Earrings, age 49, was indicted on August 21, 2013, for Assaulting, Resisting and Impeding a Federal Officer.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 29, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. 

The maximum penalty upon conviction of the charge is 20 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation, and a mandatory $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered. 

The charge stems from the alleged assault of a federal law enforcement officer in July of 2013, with the use of an automobile.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Yellow Earrings 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 is prosecuting the case. 

Yellow Earrings was released, subject to conditions.  A trial date has been set for November 5, 2013.