Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Interstate Domestic Violence

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Aaron Young, age 28, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on November 15, 2011. Young pled guilty to interstate domestic violence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

On February 13, 2011, Young invited the victim to go from the Rosebud Sioux Reservation to Valentine, Nebraska, for a drive. The victim drove, and Young instructed her where to drive. After returning to Rosebud, Young struck the victim across the chest with a backhanded motion causing bruising to her chest and breasts.

At approximately 4 a.m., on February 14, 2011, Young directed the victim to drive along U.S. Highway 83 in Mellette County approximately two miles north of the Todd County and Mellette County line. While in Mellette County, Young again struck the victim across the chest in order to make her comply with his directions. The route that Young directed the victim to drive caused her to enter and exit Indian country several times.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Marie H. Ruettgers.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 6, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.