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Press Release

McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Simple Assault

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Simple Assault.  The sentencing took place on November 20, 2023.

Martin Tre Black Cloud, age 20, was sentenced to six months in federal prison and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $10.

Black Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September of 2022. He was convicted of Simple Assault following a two-day jury trial on August 8, 2023.

The evidence at trial showed that Black Cloud was drinking alcohol with his stepfather on June 22, 2022, in McIntosh, South Dakota. Black Cloud quarreled with his stepfather and assaulted him, resulting in his stepfather’s hospitalization. Black Cloud then apologized to his stepfather, injured himself with a knife, and fled. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

Updated November 26, 2023

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice