Kenel Man Found Guilty by a Federal Jury of Felony Domestic Assault by Strangulation

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Cody Ben Zephier, age 21, of Kenel, South Dakota, of Assault of a Dating Partner by Strangulation, Assault of a Dating Partner Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury, and Assault by Striking, Beating and Wounding following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 29, 2026.

Cumulatively, these convictions are punishable by up to 16 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, $600,000 in fines and a mandatory $225 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.

During the early morning hours of June 27, 2025, Zephier and his live-in girlfriend quarreled in their Kenel, South Dakota, home, within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. When Zephier began walking away, his girlfriend slapped him across the back. Zephier responded by throwing her to the floor, punching her with "hammer fists," kicking her, and choking her with his hands until she could not breathe. Zephier then called 911 because he could not stop himself from "smacking" his girlfriend - or her bleeding. The woman incurred two broken wrists and extensive bruising to her face and neck in the assault.

This matter was 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 Bureau of Indian of Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled. Zephier was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals pending sentencing.