MISSION, SOUTH DAKOTA – In a shocking turn of events, Dayton Thin Elk, a 25-year-old man from Mission, South Dakota, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer.
The incident occurred on April 27, 2020, when Thin Elk was arrested for driving under the influence in Todd County, South Dakota. After being transported to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Adult Correctional Facility, Thin Elk became combative and spat on a corrections officer.
This brazen act of violence did not go unpunished. Thin Elk was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16, 2020, and subsequently pled guilty to Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer on October 19, 2020.
The sentencing hearing took place on January 4, 2021, before Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court. Thin Elk was given a sentence of 15 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuting the case. Thin Elk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.
The people of Todd County, South Dakota, can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served. Thin Elk’s actions were a danger to the community, and he will now face the consequences of his crimes.
In related news, law enforcement agencies across the country are urging citizens to report any incidents of violence or intimidation towards federal officers.
Related Federal Cases
- Joseph Elsey, Assaulting Federal Officer, South Dakota 2020 · Illinois
- Eddie Bromwich, Assaulting a Federal Officer, South Dakota 2025 · South Dakota
- Knight, Assaulting Capitol Cops, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- Darrell Goins, Assaulting Capitol Police, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- South Dakota Man Arrested for Assaulting Law Enforcement During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach · District of Columbia
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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