McLaughlin Woman Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, woman convicted of assault of a federal officer was sentenced on December 4, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. 

Claudette Mae Has Horns, age 32, was sentenced to time served, which was 10 months in federal custody and over 3 months in tribal custody, totaling over 13 months.  She was also sentenced to 3 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  

According to court documents, on October 10, 2018, Has Horns forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with a federal officer, with such assault involving physical contact and with the intent to commit another felony.  At the time of the assault, the victim was employed as a federal law enforcement officer with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of Interior, assigned to perform law enforcement functions and while he was engaged in the performance of his official duties.

In the afternoon of October 10, Has Horns and a third-party approached a residence in McLaughlin, South Dakota, seeking a ride from the homeowner.  Has Horns and the third-party appeared intoxicated, and they subsequently engaged in a physical altercation on the front lawn.  Law enforcement was then summoned, and the assault occurred.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services and the Corson County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.   

At the time of her sentencing, Has Horns had served the entirety of her sentence and was released to begin supervised release.