Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty To Assaulting An Officer

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Pamela Belt, age 49, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 8, 2013 and pled guilty to Assault on a Federal Officer.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 8 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

On June 10, 2012, near Oglala, Belt physically resisted an Oglala Sioux Tribal officer as he was attempting to arrest her.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.