United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced Ellery Zephier, a resident of Marty, South Dakota, to 18 years in federal prison. Zephier's conviction was for assault resulting in serious bodily injury and kidnapping. The sentencing occurred on April 25, 2025.
Zephier, who is 39 years old, will also face five years of supervised release after completing his prison term. In addition, he has been ordered to pay a special assessment of $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and restitution of $22,260.
The case against Zephier began when a federal grand jury indicted him in August 2024. His trial took place in January, resulting in a guilty verdict. The conviction is related to incidents that occurred between July 20-25, 2024. During this time, Zephier kidnapped a woman, detained her in his home in Marty, and assaulted her, causing serious injuries.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case in accordance with the Major Crimes Act, which requires certain violent crimes in Indian Country to be prosecuted in federal court. The FBI and the Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman handled the prosecution.
Zephier has been placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.