Little Eagle Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Emily Rose Yellow Earrings, age 49, of Little Eagle, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate William D. Gerdes on April 19, 2013, and pled guilty to a superseding information that charged her with assault by striking, beating, and wounding and simple assault. The maximum penalty on each count upon conviction is six months’ imprisonment, a $5,000 fine or both, and a $10 assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The conviction stems from an incident during the early morning hours of March 6, 2010, when the defendant was attending a social gathering. Also present at the gathering was the victim and the defendant’s brother, who had previously been in a relationship. The defendant became upset because she was under the mistaken belief that her brother and the victim had been in an argument earlier in the evening. The defendant spoke to the victim, became enraged, and struck the victim on top of the head. A struggle ensued and the victim was again struck by the defendant in the face.

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

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for July 10, 2013. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.