McLaughlin Man Charged with Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Sheldon Crow Ghost, age 31, was indicted on January 21, 2016.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 25, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 11, 2015, Crow Ghost assaulted his partner.  At the time of the domestic assault, Crow Ghost had a final conviction on at least two separate occasions for offenses that would have been, if subject to Federal jurisdiction, an assault against a spouse and intimate partner.

The charge is merely an accusation and Crow Ghost 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.   

Crow Ghost was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.