Wounded Knee Man Guilty of Stealing Chainsaws from the BIA

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jeremy Elk, age 29, of Wounded Knee, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 27, 2012, and pled guilty to a charge of Theft of Government Property. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year of imprisonment and/or a $100,000 fine.

Between August 2012 and January 2011, Elk stole chainsaws that were owned by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and converted them to his own use. The investigation was conducted by Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for February 14, 2013. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.