United States of America v. Ellery Zephier, Sr.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota. criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Kidnapping and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

Marty Man Convicted at a Federal Jury Trial of Kidnapping and Assault Charges

A jury has convicted Ellery Zephier, Sr., age 39, of Marty, South Dakota, of Kidnapping and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The jury acquitted Zephier on two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The verdict was returned on January 23, 2025.



The assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.



The kidnapping charge carries a maximum penalty of any term of years, up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.



Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024.



Between July 20-25, 2024, Zephier kidnapped and held a woman against her will in his home in Marty. During that same time frame, Zephier assaulted the woman resulting in her sustaining serious bodily injury.



This case was investigated by the FBI and Yankton Sioux Law Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case.



A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 28, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.