MISSION, South Dakota – Roger Watts, a 34-year-old Mission, South Dakota man, was sentenced to 126 months in prison for assaulting a federal officer, announced United States Attorney Ron Parsons.
Watts was convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a two-day jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charge stems from an incident that occurred on January 20, 2017, in the North Antelope Community near Mission. On that date, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officers were investigating an allegation that Watts had stolen property and questioned him at a home in North Antelope. After being questioned, Watts was informed he was being arrested. Watts became combative and charged at one of the officers, physically engaging him.
A struggle ensued and the officer sustained a knee injury during the struggle. Watts was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
“Tribal law enforcement officers, like all law enforcement officers, have a tough and often dangerous job,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “An attack on one of them is an attack on all of us and can never be tolerated.”
Watts was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund as part of his sentence.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
