CUSTER COUNTY— While the Custer County Courtroom was plenty busy on Monday, May 10, only a few felony cases were on the docket, with only one hearing resulting in court action.
Brice W. Carpenter, 26, appeared for his first appearance for allegedly committing assault by a confined person (Class IIIA felony) and being a habitual criminal (enhancement).
According to the charges that were read by Judge Tami Schendt, Carpenter allegedly assaulted another prisoner while he was in jail around April 14. Also, because Carpenter has previously been convicted of multiple felonies, the State is asking for a habitual criminal enhancement, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.
According to Carpenter’s attorney, Gary Peterson, a plea deal was agreed to where Carpenter would waive his preliminary hearing in County Court on the aforementioned charges, he would ask for a bench trial in District Court, and in return charges on another case would be dismissed. Carpenter agreed to the deal and waived his preliminary hearing and will now appear in Custer County District Court on May 20 at 9:30 AM to be arraigned.
Carpenter could face 10-64 years in prison and be fined up to $10,000 if he is found guilty of the assault and is also found to be a habitual criminal.
