Peever Man Sentenced to Over 6 Years in Federal Prison for Two Assault Convictions

ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a Peever, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault by Striking, Beating, or Wounding. The sentencing took place on June 1, 2026.

Brandon Jared St. John, age 45, was sentenced to six years and five months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $125 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

St. John was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025. He pleaded guilty on November 17, 2025.

On July 28, 2021, St. John assaulted Crystal Diane White by kicking her with boots, which constituted a dangerous weapon. St. John's intent was to cause White physical harm. At the same time, St. John also assaulted Shelby Candace Renville by striking, beating, and wounding her. Both victims sustained bodily injuries because of St. John's conduct.

The assaults took place in the tribal community of Sisseton, South Dakota. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate's Law Enforcement office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

St. John was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.