U.S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney
District of South Dakota

337 Federal Building
225 S. Pierre St.
Pierre, SD 57501

www.justice.gov/usao/sd

For Immediate Release

November 9, 2009

Little Eagle Man Gets 155 Months For Assaulting A Federal Officer

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Little Eagle man charged with Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assaulting a Federal Officer, and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence was sentenced on November 9, 2009, by United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann. Kelly Ward, age 43, was sentenced to 155 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, and a $310 special assessment to the Victims Assistance Fund. Ward was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Assaulting a Federal Officer, and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence by a federal grand jury on September 24, 2008. The charges stem from a September 10, 2008, shooting of a Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer who was serving as part of the BIA’s Operation Dakota Peacekeeper effort. The incident occurred when Sergeant Louis Poitra responded to a domestic disturbance call on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Ward was convicted on July 23, 2009, of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Assault by Striking, Beating or Wounding; Assaulting a Federal Officer; and Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence as a result of a federal jury trial in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Kelderman prosecuted the case. Ward was immediately turned over to the custody of the United States Marshal.

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