United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
Johnny Walking Bull, age 32, was indicted on August 16, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 6, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 8 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 May 19, 2016, Walking Bull forcibly assaulted, resisted, opposed, impeded, intimidated, and interfered with an officer from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, while said officer was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Walking Bull is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Walking Bull was released on bond pending trial, which has been set for November 1, 2016.