McLaughlin Man Convicted of Brutal Assault on Elderly Victim

A 39-year-old McLaughlin man is facing up to 18 months in federal prison and a $105,000 fine after being convicted of brutally assaulting an elderly victim on the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation.

Kenton Wynn Walks, 39, was found guilty of Simple Assault and Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on May 22, 2024.

The violent assault occurred on April 22, 2022, when Walks kicked the elderly man in the head, causing a significant amount of blood to spill. The victim, who was also a victim of the defendant’s cruel actions, suffered a laceration on the rear right side of his head that was approximately three inches long and required six staples to be closed.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case under the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute that mandates the prosecution of violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country in federal court, rather than state court.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case against Walks.

A presentence investigation has been ordered, and a sentencing date has not been set. Walks was ordered to self-report for sentencing on July 2, 2024. The charges carry a maximum penalty of one and a half years in federal prison and/or a $105,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $50 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.