Pine Ridge man sentenced to two years for seriously injuring nephew with a pistol
A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after seriously injuring his nephew by striking him multiple times with a pistol.
By News Channel NebraskaPINE RIDGE, S.D. - A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to two years in federal prison after seriously injuring his nephew by striking him multiple times with a pistol.
Cole Waters, 37, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury in May, following his indictment by a federal grand jury in December .
According to court records, the assault occurred on Nov. 16, 2024, in Pine Ridge. Prosecutors said Waters first struck his nephew in the face with a pistol, causing him to fall. As the nephew attempted to stand, Waters hit him again in the back of the head and once more on the back of the shoulder.
The victim sustained serious injuries, including a facial fracture, numbness, and scarring.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office under the Major Crimes Act, which requires certain violent offenses committed in Indian Country to be prosecuted in federal court rather than state court.