McLaughlin Man Charged With Burglary And Assault

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

Lehi James Demarrias, Sr., age 31, was indicted on July 23, 2013, for Burglary, Assault With a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Demarrias appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on July 26, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction of the burglary charge is 25 years of imprisonment. The maximum penalty upon conviction on each of the assault charges is 10 years of imprisonment. All counts include a $250,000 fine, or both; 3 years of supervised release, an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation; and a mandatory $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations, and Demarrias 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 R. Morley is prosecuting the case.

Demarrias was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A trial date has not been set.