JULY 2023:
Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has handed out the punishment for a Crow Creek man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse.
James Drapeau, 35, was sentenced to two years and four months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Drapeau was convicted of assaulting his 14-year-old step-son, who was living in a home within the Crow Creek Reservation with Drapeau. Drapeau, frustrated over a perceived slight, beat the young victim relentlessly, with a broomstick and electrical cord. The victim was able to escape the back bedroom in which he was confined and run to the front living room. Drapeau caught up to the victim, threw him to the ground and proceeded to kick him about the body with shod feet. The young victim sustained significant bruising on his head, lower back, arms, buttocks, and legs as a result of the assault.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. 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, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
Drapeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
APRIL 2023:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that James Drapeau, age 35, of Crow Creek, was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Child Abuse as a result of a two-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of up to twenty years in federal prison and/or a $500,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The evidence at trial showed that on May 24, 2022, at a residence on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation, Drapeau became upset with a 14-year-old boy who was in his care. Drapeau threw the boy on the ground, kicked him repeatedly, and beat him with a broom stick and extension cord. As a result of the beating, the young boy sustained considerable bruising, welts, and abrasions on his head, back, arms, torso, buttocks, and legs.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation report was ordered, and sentencing has been set for July 24, 2023. Drapeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
Comments