Rapid City man pleads not guilty in candlestick assault

RAPID CITY (AP) — A Rapid City man accused of beating a woman with a glass candlestick has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and aggravated assault charges.

Twenty-nine-year-old Luke Elk Nation was arrested on New Year's Day for allegedly beating a woman and holding her against her will in a room at the South Dakota Rose Inn. He also faces drug charges.

Judge Wally Eklund on Tuesday lowered Elk Nation's bond from $100,000 to $50,000, after Elk Nation's attorney asked for a $10,000 bond. Prosecutor Tracey Decker opposed any reduction in bond because of Elk Nation's criminal history.

Elk Nation faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

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