Sioux Empire Today

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Patrick Garrett, a 30-year-old man from Kyle, South Dakota, has been sentenced to one year in federal prison. The sentencing was carried out by U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on February 28, 2025. Garrett's conviction was for Assault by Beating, Striking, or Wounding.

In addition to the prison term, Garrett will undergo one year of supervised release and must pay a $25 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The charge against Garrett stemmed from an incident on April 9, 2024. During an argument with his girlfriend inside a car with their two young children present, Garrett restrained her when she attempted to leave the vehicle. He pushed her to the ground and forced her back into the car's backseat. When she tried to call 911 for help, he took her phone and threw it out of the window. Throughout the drive that followed, he struck her legs with his fist and yelled at her. Eventually, when the car stopped again, she managed to escape and seek help.

An individual who witnessed part of the altercation called 911 after seeing a woman shouting for help from the rear of a vehicle. The victim was later taken to a hospital for injuries sustained during the assault.

The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled its prosecution.

Following his sentencing, Garrett was placed in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.