United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner.

Cameron LaRoche, age 37, was indicted on November 13, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 18, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about August 21, 2014, LaRoche unlawfully assaulted his intimate partner by strangling and suffocating her, as well as committed a domestic assault on her, which resulted in substantial bodily injury.

The charges are merely accusations and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.

LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.