Wounded Knee Man Guilty Of Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Lyle Sutton, age 26, of Wounded Knee, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 3, 2013, and pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.  The Magistrate Judge is expected to recommend Sutton’s plea be accepted by the District Court.  The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

On December 28, 2012, Sutton struck a woman with a wooden bat, causing nasal and cheek fractures and severe bruising on her back.  The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wayne A. Venhuizen and Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending acceptance of this plea and sentencing.