Lower Brule Man Charged with Criminal Contempt

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man was charged with Criminal Contempt on February 24, 2016.

Vance TaSunke Witko, II, age 33, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 10, 2016, and pled not guilty to the charges.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 6 months in custody and/or a $1,000 fine, and $10 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.   

It is alleged that on February 17, 2016, Vance TaSunke Witko, II, willfully and unlawfully disobeyed a command and subpoena requiring him to appear for a court proceeding.

The charge is merely an accusation and TaSunke Witko is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and Lower Brule Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk A. Albertson is prosecuting the case.   

TaSunke Witko has been released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.