Pierre, SD – In a grim reminder of the dangers of domestic violence, Martin Metcalf, a 52-year-old St. Francis man, has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for Assault With a Dangerous Weapon.

The sentencing took place on December 16, 2024, after Metcalf pleaded guilty to the charges on September 19, 2024.

The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on November 24, 2023, in Todd County, South Dakota, within the boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.

On that date, Metcalf entered his girlfriend’s home and threatened to kill her and her children with an AR-15-style rifle. At one point, Metcalf struck his girlfriend on the arm with the rifle. One of the children called 911 while Metcalf was distracted, and law enforcement responded shortly thereafter.

Metcalf will forfeit ownership of the firearm to the United States. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence in communities by bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve.

The case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Senior Litigation Counsel Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Metcalf was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

As the Grimy Times continues to expose the harsh realities of domestic violence, we urge all residents to take action and seek help if they or someone they know is a victim of abuse.

The exact sentence includes five years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and an order to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

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