KYLE, S.D. – A Kyle man has been convicted on two assault charges stemming from an attack at a convenience store near Kyle in 2024.
Federal prosecutors say 42-year-old Brandon Brave Heart was found guilty by a federal jury of assault by striking, beating, or wounding and simple assault following a two-day trial in Rapid City. The verdict was returned Oct. 8.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred July 23, 2024, at the Common Cents convenience store at Sharp’s Corner. Prosecutors said Brave Heart approached the victim from behind, punched him in the back of the head, and continued the assault after the victim fell to the ground.
A federal grand jury originally indicted Brave Heart on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. Jurors ultimately convicted him on the two lesser assault offenses.
Each conviction carries a maximum penalty of one year in federal custody, a $100,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release.
The case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
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