Porcupine Man Pleads Guilty To Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that William Thunder Hawk, age 19, of Porcupine, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 30, 2013 and pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years of imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

The charge relates to Thunder Hawk punching and kicking a female multiple times in the face and body near Porcupine between August 5 and 6, 2012. The assault resulted in severe facial swelling and fractured nasal bones.

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 Wayne Venhuizen.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 27, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.