Ron Volesky pleads guilty to charge under new elder abuse law

Monday, December 5, 2011  

Ron Volesky, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe who's known for his political campaigns in South Dakota, pleaded guilty to assaulting an elderly woman.

Volesky was charged under a new state law that requires medical professionals to report cases of elder abuse. He admitted that he struck a woman over the age of 65 with a belt at his home in July 5, just days after the law went into effect.

Volesky was sentenced to 33 days in prison, with 30 days suspended on the condition he pay a $500 fine and participate in a sobriety program for one year, according to news reports. He reportedly spent this past weekend in jail.

Volesky, an attorney, has served as a state lawmaker and has run for governor and attorney general of South Dakota.

Get the Story:
Ron Volesky gets jail time for elder assault (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/3)
Volesky 'Embarrassed And Remorseful’ (KELO-TV 12/2)
Elderly abuse law prompted the Ron Volesky case (KSFY-TV 12/2)

Ron Volesky aims to be first Indian on state Supreme Court (6/7)