Three from Bullhead Indicted for Assault and Witness Tampering

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that two men and one woman from Bullhead, South Dakota have been indicted by a federal grand jury for assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, aiding and abetting, and tampering with witnesses.

Lucille Little Eagle, age 23, Alex Little Eagle, age 29, and Brandon Bagola, age 23, were indicted by a federal grand jury on January 11, 2011. The charges relate to an alleged assault on two men in April 2010. Lucille Little Eagle is also charged with allegedly tampering with witnesses by hindering their communication with law enforcement. Lucille and Alex Little Eagle and Brandon Bagola appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on January 27, 2011, and all pled not guilty to the indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction of each assault charge is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment to the Victims’ Assistance Fund. The maximum penalty upon conviction of witness tampering is 20 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; three years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment to the Victims’ Assistance Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The charges are merely an accusation and they are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Mikal Hanson and Britt Haxton are prosecuting the case. Lucille and Alex Little Eagle were released on bond pending trial. Brandon Bagola was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.