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DECEMBER 15, 2000

The trial of a Lake Andes, South Dakota, police officer accused of assaulting an American Indian boy began on Thursday.

Michael Atwood is charged only with simple assault for the July 4 incident. His lawyer said he choked 12-year-old Ben Cournoyer because Cournoyer got "lippy." Police Chief R.G. Swatos testified Atwood told him the same.

If convicted, Atwood faces up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. He is still working for the department.

Get the Story:
'He grabbed me around neck' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 12/15)

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Officer to face trial (The Talking Circle 08/11)
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