Marty Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Kidnapping

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Marty, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Kidnapping. The sentencing took place on April 25, 2025.

Ellery Zephier, age 39, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200, and restitution in the amount of $22,260.

Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024. Following his trial in January, he was found guilty. The conviction stemmed from incidents between July 20-25, 2024, when Zephier kidnapped and held a woman against her will in his home in Marty and assaulted her resulting in the infliction of serious bodily injury.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.

Zephier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.