Eagle Butte Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Myrna F. LeClaire, age 35, of Eagle Butte, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on January 19, 2012, and pled guilty to the indictment that charged her with assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and restitution.

The conviction stems from an incident on August 6, 2011, in which the defendant was driving a maroon automobile when she and others within the automobile saw the victim and another male walking at the intersection of Fox Ridge and Habitat Roads at Eagle Butte, South Dakota. The defendant believed that one of the victim’s relatives had assaulted the defendant’s teenage daughter. Angered by this, the defendant steered the vehicle at the victim and hit him from behind.

The victim was taken to the emergency room in Eagle Butte on August 6, 2011. He reported pain to his left hip, left leg, and lower back.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Britt M. Haxton.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for April 16, 2012. The defendant was ordered to report to the U.S. Marshals Service on January 26, 2012, at 3:00 p.m., at which time she will be detained until her sentencing date.