Timber Lake Man and Woman Charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Timber Lake, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Aiding and Abetting Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

Dustin Buffalo, age 33, and Melanie Buffalo, age 35, were indicted on January 21, 2016. Melanie Buffalo appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 3, 2016, and Dustin Buffalo appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 26, 2016. Both pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about November 5, 2015, at Timber Lake, Dustin and Melanie Buffalo unlawfully assaulted two victims with a metal cross and shod feet.

The charges are merely an accusation and both defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Tribe Law Enforcement Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.   

Dustin and Melanie Buffalo were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.