Dupree Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Dupree, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on June 20, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Orville Belt, Jr., age 41, was sentenced to 41 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Belt was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury by a federal grand jury on February 17, 2016.  He pled guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury on March 29, 2016.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on January 1, 2016, at Dupree, when Belt and the victim were drinking together.  Belt and the victim were in a relationship.  Belt got angry with the victim and pulled the victim’s chair from under her so that she fell to the floor.  He then began hitting the victim with his fists multiple times, knocking her unconscious.  When she came to, Belt was kicking her multiple times with black combat boots.  The victim did not receive medical treatment until two days after the assault, when a neighbor saw her and reported to law enforcement that the victim had been “severely assaulted.” The law enforcement officer who responded to the Belt residence knew the victim, but did not recognize her that day due to the severity of her injuries.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Belt was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.