Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assaulting a Federal Officer

Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Fort Thompson, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer was sentenced on June 23, 2015, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Derek Kenendy, age 35, was sentenced to 27 months in custody, followed by 2 years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Kennedy was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 9, 2014. He pled guilty on March 26, 2015.

The convictions stem from two separate incidents.

On July 9, 2013, one of the victims was walking home when Kennedy came up to her and hit her on the left side of her face with his fist, knocking her to the ground. While on the ground, Kennedy kicked her in the face, breaking her jaw in two places. The victim had to have her jaw wired shut for several weeks.

On October 4, 2014, the above victim and Kennedy began to argue and Kennedy hit the victim. Law enforcement was called. A Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer arrived at the home and made contact with the victim and Kennedy.

The officer attempted to arrest Kennedy, who resisted. A physical struggle ensued with the officer, as Kennedy refused to follow commands and swung at the officer.

This case was investigated by the BIA, Crow Creek Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

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