ABERDEEN, SD – Phillip Lewis Young Hawk, 45, of Wakpala, South Dakota, will spend the next five years in federal prison for a brutal assault on his girlfriend, leaving her with significant injuries. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann handed down the 60-month sentence on June 10, 2024, followed by three years of supervised release and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The assault unfolded on April 7, 2023, on a desolate roadside near Wakpala, within the boundaries of the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. According to court documents, Young Hawk engaged in a heated argument with his girlfriend. The dispute quickly escalated into violence, with Young Hawk knocking the woman to the ground and then repeatedly kicking her while she was helpless and pleading for him to stop. The attack only ceased when Young Hawk’s own brother intervened, forcibly restraining him.
The victim briefly lost consciousness and sustained substantial bruising to her face as a result of the unprovoked attack. This wasn’t an isolated incident; Young Hawk has a documented history of domestic violence, adding weight to the severity of the crime. A federal grand jury indicted Young Hawk in June 2023, and he ultimately pleaded guilty on December 18, 2023, acknowledging his culpability in the assault.
The case landed in federal court due to the Major Crimes Act, a statute requiring the prosecution of certain violent crimes occurring on Indian country in the federal system. This ensured a stricter standard of justice and access to federal resources for the victim. The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services spearheaded the investigation, meticulously gathering evidence to build a solid case against Young Hawk.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem skillfully prosecuted the case, presenting the evidence and securing the conviction. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and aims to hold Young Hawk accountable for his violent actions. The victim’s well-being and the need to deter future acts of domestic violence were central to the prosecution’s arguments.
Following the sentencing, Young Hawk was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his 60-month sentence. This conviction serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence is a serious crime with severe consequences, and perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions, especially within Indian country where federal jurisdiction applies. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing struggle against domestic violence in South Dakota and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- Eagle Butte Man Gets 36 Months for Brutal Golf Club Assault · South Dakota
- Black Moon Gets 18 Months for Brutal Rosebud Assault · South Dakota
- McLaughlin Man Gets 27 Months for Brutal Assault · South Dakota
- Swift Bear Man Gets 2+ Years for Brutal Assault · South Dakota
- Green Grass Man Accused of Brutal Assault · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
