Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Stabbing

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Derek Lamont, age 25, of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on January 4, 2012, and pled guilty to Count I of an indictment that charged him with Assault With a Dangerous Weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

In June 2011, Lamont stabbed his girlfriend multiple times after they had been arguing. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah B. Collins.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for March 26, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.