Okreek Man Sentenced for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Okreek, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on April 4, 2016, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Robert J. LaVallie, a/k/a Robert Gross, age 34, was sentenced to 15 months in custody, 2 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  LaVallie also forfeits interest in the firearms seized during a search of his residence.

          LaVallie was originally indicted by a federal grand jury on November 13, 2014.  A superseding indictment was filed on November 10, 2015, charging LaVallie with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Brandishing, Carrying or Possessing a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence.  He pled guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on January 7, 2016.

          The conviction arose from an incident on May 31, 2014, in Todd County, South Dakota, when LaVallie and the victim got into a verbal argument.  LaVallie began yelling at the victim and pointing at her, telling their children, “If I shoot myself, it’s because of this right here.”  The children ran out of the house and the victim went to phone for help.  LaVallie was carrying a handgun in a holster on his waist.  He withdrew the firearm, waved it around, and threatened to kill the victim.  He then grabbed two assault-type rifles and started putting clips into them.  The victim left the house, called the police, and  LaVallie was taken into custody.  A search warrant of the residence resulted in the seizure of several firearms and ammunition.

          This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

          LaVallie was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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