Lower Brule Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that John R. Estes, II, age 35, of Lower Brule, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on November 22, 2011, and pled guilty to count one of an indictment that charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment.

Estes was initially charged by complaint in May 2011 and later indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2011.

The charge stems from an incident in April whereby the defendant and the victim had an argument, during which time the defendant displayed a handgun, pointed the gun at the victim, threatened her with the handgun, and threatened to kill her if she ever left him.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 13, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.