McLaughlin Man Arraigned On Assault Charge

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting a Federal Officer.

Verle Janis a/k/a Verl Janis, age 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 13, 2013. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on February 14, 2013 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment, a $250,000 fine or both, and a period of supervised release of 3 years. The charge is merely an accusation and Janis is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley is prosecuting the case. Janis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not been set.