Kyle Man Found Guilty at Federal Trial for Assault in Pine Ridge Reservation

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Brandon Brave Heart, age 42, of Kyle, South Dakota, of Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding and Simple Assault following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on October 8, 2026.

The charges carry a maximum penalty of one year in custody and/or a $100,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brave Heart was indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal grand jury in September 2024.

On July 23, 2024, shortly before 7:30 pm, the victim and his family were at the Common Cents convenience store located at Sharp's Corner near Kyle, SD. The victim had his back to the door when Brave Heart entered the store. Brave Heart walked towards the victim from behind and struck him with a closed fist in the back of the head. The victim fell to the ground, and Brave Heart continued to strike the victim. During the assault, Brave Heart used fists to punch the victim and his tennis shoes to kick the victim twice in the face.

This matter is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby VanDenBerg prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date has yet to be set.