McLaughlin Man Indicted on Assault and Firearm Charges

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault of an Intimate Partner by Strangulation, Child Abuse, and Felon In Possession of a Firearm.

River Grey Bull, age 22, was indicted on May 16, 2017. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on August 29, 2017, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 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 April 11, 2016, Grey Bull assaulted his intimate partner by strangulation and suffocation. The Indictment further alleges that Grey Bull hit his intimate partner while she was holding her child and the blow carried through and hit the child. Grey Bull, having previously been convicted of a felony, is alleged to have knowingly possessed a firearm.

The charges are merely accusations and Grey Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel C. Nelson is prosecuting the case.

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