Rapid City Man Indicted for Assault to Commit Murder

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for various charges of Assault and Discharge of a Firearm during the assault. Louis Janis, age 29, of Rapid City, was indicted by a federal grand jury on October 20, 2009, for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Discharge of a Firearm During and In Relation to a Crime of Violence. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 22, 2009, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, a maximum of 10 years' imprisonment for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and a mandatory/minimum of 10 years for Discharge of a Firearm. All charges carry a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Janis is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. Janis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.