United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Franklin Long Black Cat, a/k/a Franklin Long, age 22, was indicted on March 22, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollman on March 25, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction on Count I and II 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 charges relate to an incident that occurred on February 14, 2016, where Long Black Cat assaulted the victim with a dangerous weapon, resulting in serious bodily injury.
The charge is merely an accusation and Long Black Cat is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen is prosecuting the case.
Long Black Cat was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for May 31, 2016.