Fort Thompson Man Indicted On Assault Charges

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Jared Chase Blaine, age 20, was indicted on September 16, 2014.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on October 23, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.  

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $300 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about August 12, 2014, Blaine unlawfully assaulted his intimate partner with shod feet, as well as strangled and suffocated the victim, resulting in substantial bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Blaine is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Blaine was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial which has been set for December 2, 2014.