Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jason James DeSersa, age 19, of Mission, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Roberto A. Lange on May 22, 2012 and pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident that took place on October 12, 2011, when DeSersa hit the victim with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground. While the victim was on the ground, DeSersa and others struck the victim several times, including with a baseball bat. The victim died as a result of his injuries.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tim Maher.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for August 13, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing.