Two Lower Brule Men Sentenced for Burglary

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that two Lower Brule, South Dakota, men convicted of First Degree Burglary and Aiding and Abetting have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.

Jaron Grassrope, age 19, was sentenced on October 15, 2018, to 14 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. James Felicia, age 21, was sentenced on March 4, 2019, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.  Grassrope and Felicia were also ordered to pay $450 in restitution.

Grassrope and Felicia were indicted by a federal grand jury on October 17, 2017.  Grassrope plead guilty on July 25, 2018, and Felicia plead guilty on August 20, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 2, 2017, when Grassrope and Felicia entered an occupied structure and stole a PS4 and attempted to take a television.  When the owner of the home confronted Grassrope and Felicia, he and another individual that was in the home, were stabbed. Grassrope and Felicia fled from the residence and were apprehended later in the day. 

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.

Grassrope and Felicia were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.