United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Ellery Zephier, Sr., 39, from Marty, South Dakota, was convicted by a jury of kidnapping and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The trial took place over three days in a federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Zephier was acquitted on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. The verdict was delivered on January 23, 2025.
The assault charge could result in up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. It also includes up to three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
For the kidnapping charge, the maximum penalty is any term of years up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine. This charge also involves five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Zephier faced indictment by a federal grand jury in August 2024. Between July 20-25, 2024, he kidnapped and held a woman against her will at his home in Marty. During this period, he assaulted her, causing serious bodily injury.
The FBI and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement conducted the investigation for this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman were responsible for prosecuting.
A presentence investigation has been ordered with sentencing scheduled for April 28, 2025. Zephier has been remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.