UPDATE MARCH 16, 2022:
A federal jury has found Joseph Elsey, age 27, of Eagle Butte guilty of Assaulting, Impeding or Resisting a Federal Officer as a result of a federal jury trial in Pierre. The verdict was returned March 16, 2022.
The conviction stems from an incident on October 26, 2020, in Ziebach County, South Dakota, when law enforcement was called to the residence where Elsey was staying to have him removed. When law enforcement arrived, Elsey was detained but then became upset and attempted to get away from the officer. While the officer was trying further to detain Elsey, Elsey struck the officer in the leg.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services.
A pre-sentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date is to be set. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
NOVEMBER 21, 2021:
An Eagle Butte man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer.
26 year old Joseph Elsey pled not guilty.
The indictment alleges that on October 26, 2020, near Eagle Butte, Elsey assaulted a federal officer using shod feet as a dangerous weapon, while the officer was engaged in the performance of her official duties.
The charge is merely an accusation and Elsey is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Elsey was released on bond pending trial. A trial date of January 18, 2022, has been set.
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