Saint Francis Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Saint Francis, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025.

Samuel Iron Shell, age 23, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Iron Shell was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2025.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on December 24, 2024, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Iron Shell and his significant other, a female, were at a residence near St. Francis when, at one point, Iron Shell got angry and began striking the woman on the head with a broomstick. The victim attempted to shield her head with her hand, and Iron Shell then struck her hand. The victim suffered a broken finger.

This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

Iron Shell was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.