June 26, 2014

Three McLaughlin Men Charged with Burglary and Assault

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that three men from McLaughlin, South Dakota, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for First Degree Burglary, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Third Degree Burglary.

Blake Crow Ghost, age 20; Adam Weasel, age 19; and Joshua White Shield, age 19, were indicted on June 10, 2014. They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge William D. Gerdes on June 24, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 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 June 22, 2013, Crow Ghost, Weasel, and White Shield unlawfully entered and remained in an occupied structure, during night time, and assaulted an adult male with the intent to do bodily harm to the victim.

The charges are merely accusations and Crow Ghost, Weasel, and White Shield are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy R. Morley is prosecuting the case.

All three men were released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.