Gregory County Man Sentenced for Assault

PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Gregory County, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on May 6, 2024.

Dillon Yellow Hawk, age 27, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Yellow Hawk was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. He pleaded guilty on February 5, 2024.

In April of 2023, Yellow Hawk was living at his grandmother's residence in rural Gregory County, South Dakota on property that is part of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Yellow Hawk's aunt and adult cousin, as well as Yellow Hawk's three young children, also lived at the residence. On the evening of April 24, 2023, into the early morning hours of April 25, 2023, Yellow Hawk, his cousin, his aunt, and others were consuming alcohol. As the night progressed, an argument began between Yellow Hawk and his cousin, which included physical contact by both parties. The fight between the two escalated, culminating with Yellow Hawk grabbing his shotgun. Yellow Hawk fired the gun at his cousin, striking his cousin in the abdomen. Yellow Hawk maintained possession of the firearm and entered his grandmother's bedroom where his aunt was also. To prevent another shot, Yellow Hawk's aunt attempted to grab the gun. Her arm was near the muzzle when Yellow Hawk fired a second shot. Both victims were transported to Sioux Falls for medical treatment and required surgery for their injuries.

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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Gregory County Sheriff's Office, the Burke Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Abby Roesler prosecuted the case.

Yellow Hawk was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.