Three Eagle Butte Men Charged With Assault And Aiding And Abetting

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that three Eagle Butte, South Dakota, men have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Aiding and Abetting the two assaults.

Lawrence Mexican, age 23, Todd Johns, age 26, and Joshua Heiedeman, age 21, were indicted on September 16, 2014.  They have all appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno and each pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered. 

The Indictment charges that on July 19, 2014, in Eagle Butte, Mexican, Johns and Heideman unlawfully assaulted the victim with shod feet, metal crutches, and wooden clubs.  The assault is alleged to have caused serious bodily injury to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Mexican, Johns and Heideman are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.   

All three defendants were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. Trial has been set for November 18, 2014.