Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Wahpeton, North Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on October 4, 2021 by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Vincent Chasing Hawk, age 40, was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Chasing Hawk was indicted for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury on November 10, 2020. He pled guilty on July 16, 2021.

The conviction stems from an incident on September 5, 2020, in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, when Chasing Hawk and the victim had been drinking. Chasing Hawk, unprovoked, stood up and started punching the victim. All totaled, Chasing Hawk punched the victim approximately 30 times. During the assault, the victim fell onto the floor. After the victim was on the floor, Chasing Hawk then stomped on the victim. During the assault, Chasing Hawk knocked a clothes iron off a table. After knocking the iron off the table, Chasing Hawk picked up the iron, and hit the victim at least four times with the iron.

This case was investigated by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller prosecuted the case.

Chasing Hawk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.