Local Man Accused of Assaulting Postal Employee
A brazen attack on a U.S. postal employee in May has led to the indictment of a Lower Brule man on charges of robbery of mail. Elmer LaRoche, 27, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 15, 2014, in connection with the assault, which occurred on or about May 27, 2014.
According to the indictment, LaRoche allegedly assaulted a U.S. postal employee who had lawful charge, custody, and control of United States mail and other property of the United States. The assault was committed with intent to rob mail and other property, and LaRoche allegedly put the life of the employee in jeopardy by the use of a dangerous weapon.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 25 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
LaRoche appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on July 22, 2014, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuting the case.
LaRoche was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set, and LaRoche is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The FBI is urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation. In the meantime, LaRoche’s actions have left a trail of fear and uncertainty for the postal employee who was assaulted.
Case Details
Defendant: Elmer LaRoche
Charge: Robbery of Mail
Indictment Date: July 15, 2014
Arraignment Date: July 22, 2014
Status: Remanded to custody pending trial
Prosecutor: Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges
Investigator: Federal Bureau of Investigation
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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