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Kidnapping and Assault Conviction in South Dakota
A 39-year-old Marty, South Dakota man has been convicted of kidnapping and assault charges following a three-day federal jury trial in Sioux Falls.
Ellery Zephier, Sr. was found guilty of Kidnapping and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. He was acquitted on two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
The assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The kidnapping charge carries a maximum penalty of any term of years, up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He is accused of kidnapping and holding a woman against her will in his home in Marty between July 20-25, 2024. During that same time frame, Zephier allegedly assaulted the woman, resulting in her sustaining serious bodily injury.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 28, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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