McLaughlin Man Charged with Kidnapping and Assault

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Kidnapping, Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangling, and Assault by an Habitual Offender.

Brandon Ducheneaux, age 44, was indicted on March 12, 2019.  He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 20, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

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

The Indictment alleges that between March 3, 2016, and March 4, 2016, Ducheneaux kidnapped his intimate partner and assaulted her by strangulation.  During the time of the assault, Ducheneaux had at least two prior convictions of assault against a spouse or intimate partner.

The charges are merely accusations and Ducheneaux 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 Kirsten Jasper is prosecuting the case.   

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