McLaughlin Woman Charged With Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

Gwendolyn Iron Shield, a/k/a Gwendolyn Taken Alive, age 40, was indicted on June 10, 2014.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on June 24, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about April 20, 2014, Iron Shield assaulted a male adult with a knife, which resulted in serious bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and Iron Shield is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Law Enforcement Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.   

Iron Shield was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.