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Press Release

McLaughlin Woman Charged With Assaulting, Resisting, Or Impeding Federal Officers

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

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding two federal contract officers.

Twyla Crow Ghost, age 29, was indicted on December 10, 2013.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on December 16, 2013, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 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.

Crow Ghost is accused of assaulting two Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal detention officers. Crow Ghost inflicted bodily injury on one of the officers while the officers were employed by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Police Department under contract with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  The charge is merely an accusation and Crow Ghost is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.   

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


Updated June 22, 2015