AUGUST 2023:
A federal jury has determined a 19 year old man from McLaughlin is guilty of Simple Assault as a result of a two-day trial in Aberdeen.
The evidence at trial showed that on June 22, 2022, in McIntosh, Martin Black Cloud was drinking alcohol with his stepfather. Black Cloud quarreled with his stepfather and assaulted him, resulting in his stepfather’s hospitalization. Black Cloud then apologized to his stepfather, injured himself with a knife and fled.
The charge against Black Cloud carries a maximum penalty of six months in federal prison and/or a $5,000 fine, one year of supervised release and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
A pre-sentence investigation report was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. Black Cloud remains in the custody of the US Marshals Service.
This matter is being prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant US Attorneys Carl Thunem and Cameron Cook prosecuted the case.
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