Jury Finds Mission Man Guilty of Assaulting a Federal Officer

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that Roger Watts, age 34, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.  The verdict was returned on November 29, 2017.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

Watts was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 15, 2017.  The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on January 20, 2017, in the North Antelope Community near Mission.  On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officers were investigating an allegation that Watts had stolen property and questioned him at a home in North Antelope.  After being questioned, Watts was informed he was being arrested.  Watts became combative and charged at one of the officers, physically engaging him.  A struggle ensued and the officer sustained a knee injury during the struggle.

The investigation was conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.   

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for February 20, 2018.

Watts was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.