Swift Bird, SD Man Sentenced for Assault

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Swift Bird, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on October 11, 2023, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Cody Dean High Elk, age 40, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

High Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2023.  He pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023.

On the evening of July 3, 2022, High Elk and his wife were arguing while walking to their home in the Swift Bird Community.  High Elk threw his wife to the ground and punched her.  High Elk’s wife fled to their home.  High Elk followed and continued to strike her until shortly before law enforcement arrived.  High Elk’s wife incurred a separated shoulder and bruising on her face, shoulder and forearm in the assault.

This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

High Elk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.