Eagle Butte Man Charged With Assault With Intent To Commit Murder And Assault By Strangulation

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder and Assault by Strangulation.

Harold Picotte, III, age 40, was indicted on May 13, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 23, 2014, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that in February 2014, Picotte assaulted his dating partner/girlfriend with the intent to commit murder by strangulation and choking.  

The charges are merely an accusation and Picotte is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
 
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mikal Hanson is prosecuting the case.   

Picotte was released on bond pending trial, which is set for July 15, 2014.