Authorities have dismissed one of two criminal cases against a Bismarck woman accused of abusing her elderly mother during protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline. Bennett in February pleaded not guilty to endangering a vulnerable adult, a felony charge that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Authorities said Bennett is in Nevada with limited funds, and there also were difficulties with getting witnesses to the trial. She has pleaded not guilty to a felony charge that carries a maximum punishment of five years in prison, and is scheduled for a three-day trial in January. Court documents indicate the condition of Bennett's mother has improved, and she is living in Nevada under the guardianship of two sons.

Source: Fox News November 22, 2017 16:21 UTC