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Pierre Woman Faces Justice for Fatal Car Crash
A Pierre, South Dakota, woman has been sentenced to 26 months in federal prison for her role in a fatal car crash that claimed the life of her four-year-old son. Emerald Plenty Chief, 26, was convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter and was sentenced on October 4, 2021, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.
The tragic incident occurred on April 26, 2020, at the West Bend State Recreation Area east of Pierre. Plenty Chief was consuming alcoholic beverages and was intoxicated at the time of the crash. She was traveling northbound on West Bend Road at a speed of approximately 77 mph, exceeding the posted speed limit of 55 mph.
According to court documents, Plenty Chief failed to negotiate a curve and overcorrected, causing her vehicle to leave the roadway and roll. The four-year-old victim, who was not secured in a child seat, was ejected from the vehicle and suffered fatal injuries. An adult passenger was also injured in the wreck.
Plenty Chief was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after her sentencing. In addition to her prison term, she will serve three years of supervised release and pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Hughes County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
The sentencing of Emerald Plenty Chief serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and reckless behavior behind the wheel. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim in this tragic case.
Mandatory Facts: Emerald Plenty Chief, Involuntary Manslaughter, Pierre, South Dakota, October 4, 2021, 26 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release, $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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