Interior Man Found Guilty Of Assault On A Federal Officer

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Justin Janis, age 21, of Interior, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assault on a Federal Officer as a result of a federal jury trial in Rapid City, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on August 28, 2014.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 8 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

On November 27, 2013, Oglala Sioux Tribe law enforcement was called to a residence on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation where Janis and other adults were intoxicated.  Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Corporal Ann Mousseau responded to the residence, where a woman met Cpl. Mousseau near the front door and unlocked it for her.  Janis blocked Cpl. Mousseau from entering by pushing on the door, calling for another male to help him.  Once the door was re-opened, Janis came toward Cpl. Mousseau with his hands up.  There was a struggle, during which Janis struck Cpl. Mousseau on the right side of her throat, but she was able to continue her attempts to subdue him.  Cpl. Mousseau went to the hospital that evening for treatment.

Cpl. Mousseau is a federal law enforcement officer employed by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.
         
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. Attorneys Kathryn N. Rich and Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case.
         
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for December 17, 2014.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.