Dale Lynn James, Witness Tampering, South Dakota 2019

Chamberlain Woman Indicted on Witness Tampering Charges

A federal grand jury has indicted a Chamberlain, South Dakota woman on charges of tampering with a witness and conspiracy to tamper with a witness.

The indictment alleges that Dale Lynn James, 33, knowingly and intentionally intimidated, threatened, and corruptly persuaded 28 potential witnesses with the intent to influence, delay, and prevent their testimony in an official criminal proceeding. The alleged incident occurred on March 3, 2019.

James appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 31, 2020, and pled not guilty to the indictment. She is currently remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuting the case. A trial date has not been set.

Dale Lynn James is the defendant in this case, charged with tampering with a witness and conspiracy to tamper with a witness. The charges are merely an accusation, and James is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case highlights the serious nature of witness tampering and the importance of upholding the integrity of the justice system.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/chamberlain-woman-indicted-witness-tampering-charges