South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Friday that Robert Shipp, 37, of Watford City, North Dakota, has pleaded guilty to one count of Vehicular Battery in connection with a violent incident at the 2024 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
The plea was entered in Meade County Circuit Court, where Shipp admitted to striking a female pedestrian with his motorcycle on August 10, 2024, at a local campground during the annual rally. He now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for December 12.
“This was a violent crime that could have been avoided,” said Attorney General Jackley. “The victim is suffering long-term consequences because of the defendant’s actions.”
The case was investigated by South Dakota’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the Meade County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecution is being handled jointly by the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office and the Meade County State’s Attorney’s Office.
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, one of the largest motorcycle events in the world, draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Authorities continue to emphasize safety and accountability during the high-traffic event.
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