McLaughlin Man Pleads Guilty to Assault
| U.S. Attorney’s Office March 08, 2012 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kenton Walks, age 27, of McLaughlin, appeared before United States Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on March 6, 2012 and pled guilty to a superseding information that charged him with simple assault and assault by striking, beating, and wounding. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year in custody, a $10,000 fine, or both; and a $20 special assessment.
The conviction arises out of a June 9, 2010 incident in which Kenton Walks and friends were driving around McLaughlin. At some point, they drove to a place near McLaughlin known as “Honkey Tonk” junction where an argument ensued, and Walks and two others assaulted the victim, who was an adult male.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for June 11, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.