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Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Officer
A 49-year-old woman from Pine Ridge, South Dakota, has pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer. Pamela Belt, 49, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on May 8, 2013, and entered a guilty plea to Assault on a Federal Officer.
The maximum penalty for this crime upon conviction is 8 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. On June 10, 2012, near Oglala, Belt physically resisted an Oglala Sioux Tribal officer as he was attempting to arrest her.
The investigation into the incident was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.
Belt was released on bond pending sentencing, with a presentence investigation ordered. A sentencing date will be set at a later time. The brutal confrontation raises questions about the safety of law enforcement officers on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
According to court documents, the officer was attempting to arrest Belt when she physically resisted. The incident highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in maintaining order on the reservation.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the authority of law enforcement officers. A conviction in this case could have significant consequences for Belt, including a lengthy prison sentence and a substantial fine.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson expressed concern about the violence faced by law enforcement officers in the community. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for increased support and resources for law enforcement on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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