Hays man pleads guilty to Valentine's Day assault

Joe Long Knife pleaded guilty Thursday to a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon in federal court.

Long Knife avoided charges of kidnapping, aggravated sexual abuse, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and strangulation. For the assault charge, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison with three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine.

Around Feb. 14, 2014, or Valentine’s Day, Long Knife assaulted his girlfriend in Hays with a plastic handle. This is the charge he pleaded guilty to.

The other charges against him included his alleged actions that Valentine’s Day. The strangulation, kidnapping and sexual assault charges in the indictment are also stated as happening that day.

His sentencing date is Sept. 3.