On March 21, 2012, the Justice and Interior Departments completed the first in a series of national level training courses, “Criminal Jurisdiction in Indian Country” (CJIC), designed to strengthen the ability of tribal and local law enforcement to participate in the investigation and enforcement of federal crimes in Indian country, fulfilling a key training requirement under the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010 (TLOA). Thirty-five class participants representing seven tribes and one county sheriff’s office took part in the three-day CJIC training in Catoosa, Okla. Topics included training in federal Indian law criminal jurisdiction, how to best serve sexual assault and domestic violence victims, as well as the investigation and enforcement of drug and firearm offenses. The course, taught by the Justice Department’s National Indian Country Training Coordinator with Assistant U.S. Attorneys, fulfills one of the requirements for participating officers to receive a Special Law Enforcement Commission (SLEC) from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “The special law enforcement commission gives tribal police the ability to investigate and make arrests in federal cases,” said Leslie A. Hagen, National Indian Country Training Coordinator for the Justice Department’s Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. “This authority, and the protections that go along with it, helps build the capacity of tribal law enforcement to keep their communities safe and strengthens federal and tribal partnerships for public safety.” An SLEC allows those officers to enforce federal criminal statutes and federal hunting and fishing regulations in Indian Country. With the passage of the TLOA, primary responsibility for delivery of CJIC training shifted to the Department of Justice. Over the last several years, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have begun to host regionally-based CJIC training in addition to the sessions hosted by BIA at its training academy. In addition to this week’s training hosted by the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, future training is scheduled for April 4-6 at the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians in California. For more information on the national CJIC training program, contact Mark Decoteau, Deputy Chief of Training at the Indian Police Academy, at Mark.Decoteau@bia.gov. “We’re proud to host this first national training mandated by the Tribal Law and Order Act,” said Thomas Scott Woodward, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. “It is another excellent example of how the Departments of Justice and Interior are working more closely than ever with each other and with tribal governments to close jurisdictional gaps and strengthen the law enforcement partnerships that make communities safer.”
See: www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/March/12-enrd-350.html VIOLENT CRIME PROSECUTION
Gila River Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For His Role In Drive-By Shooting (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona - http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/)
On March 28, 2012, Eric L. Fulwilder, 25, of Bapchule, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. On Jan. 27, 2012, Fulwilder pleaded guilty to Malicious Mischief. According to the plea agreement, on Dec. 2, 2010, Fulwilder was driving a vehicle on the Gila River Indian Reservation when his cousin, Gordon Fulwilder, II, discharged a firearm at a home. Although the occupant inside of the home at the time of the shooting was not injured, the shotgun’s discharge broke the living room window and damaged the exterior of the home. Gordon Fulwilder, II, is scheduled to be sentenced before Judge Campbell on April 9, 2012, for his role in the shooting. Navajo Man Sentenced To Consecutive Prison Terms On Assault Conviction And Supervised Release Violation (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona - http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/)
On March 26, 2012, Geno Plummer, 27, of Chinle, Ariz., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Rosenblatt to five years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. A federal jury in Prescott found Plummer guilty of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury after a trial that lasted from Dec. 13-15, 2011. Evidence presented at trial showed that, on Oct. 21, 2009, Plummer had been drinking and became irate after learning that his sister had been fighting with her boyfriend (the victim). After learning of the fight, Plummer approached the victim as he was walking away from the house and stabbed him seven times. The stab wounds caused damage to the victim’s stomach, liver, abdomen, and right forearm. The victim was rushed to the hospital to undergo emergency surgery to save his life. At the time of trial, Plummer was in custody on a supervised release violation for a previous conviction of Use of a Firearm In a Crime of Violence. Two Non-Indian Men From Grants, N.M., Sentenced For Burglarizing Home On The Navajo Indian Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico - http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/)
On March 29, 2012, a federal judge in Santa Fe, N.M., sentenced two non-Indian men from Grants, N.M., for burglarizing a home in Ramah, N.M., on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Michael Bearden, 34, was sentenced to a 36-month term of imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release. His nephew, Joshua Bearden, 24, was sentenced to 18 months of prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. The two men were indicted on April 13, 2011. According to the indictment, Michael Bearden and Joshua Bearden burglarized one home on the Navajo Indian Reservation on April 15, 2008, and attempted to burglarize a second on that same day. The maximum penalty for a conviction on the burglary offense is three years of imprisonment, and the maximum penalty for a conviction on each of the other two offenses is 18 months in prison. Canoncito Man Pleads Guilty To Federal Child Sex Assault Offense (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico - http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/)
On March 29, 2012, in federal court, Vernest Ray Chackee, 20, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Canoncito, N.M., pleaded guilty to an aggravated child sexual abuse offense under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Chackee will serve 12 years in prison. Thereafter, Chackee will be on supervised release for at least five years. He also will be required to register as a sex offender. Chackee has been in federal custody since his arrest on June 28, 2011, and remains in custody pending his sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled. Chackee was indicted on April 13, 2011, and charged with three counts of aggravated sexual assault. The indictment alleged that Chackee sexually assaulted a female child under the age of 12 on three occasions between August 2010 and January 2011. The assaults allegedly occurred in Tohajilee, N.M., which is on the Navajo Indian Reservation. Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Stabbing (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man charged with assault with a dangerous weapon was sentenced on March 26, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. Derek Lamont, 25, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, three years' supervised release and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. In June 2011, Lamont stabbed his girlfriend multiple times after they had been arguing. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 4, 2012. Ft. Thompson Man Sentenced on Sexual Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson, S.D., man charged with Sexual Abuse was sentenced on March 28, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. Craig Kirkie, 47, was sentenced to 78 months in custody, five years of supervised release and a $100 assessment. Kirkie was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2011. He pleaded guilty to Count I of the indictment on Jan. 4, 2012. The conviction stems from an incident in November 2005 at a residence in Ft. Thompson. Allen Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact With a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Allen man charged with sexual abuse of a minor was sentenced on Feb. 23, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. Brandonlex Sitting Bear, aka Brandon Sitting Bear, 20, was sentenced to seven months in prison, five years supervised release and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Between December 2009 and April 2010, Sitting Bear engaged in sexual conduct with a 14-year-old female. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 12, 2011. New Town Man Pleads Guilty to Assault of Casino Security Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on March 29, 2012, Thomas J. Edwards Jr., 27, of New Town, N.D., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. On April 5, 2011, Edwards was at the Four Bears Casino located near New Town. Edwards was contacted by the casino security officers because of an outstanding tribal arrest warrant. Edwards ran from the security officers and entered a vehicle. While backing up in the vehicle, Edwards ran over the leg of a security officer, which resulted in multiple fractures to the officer’s leg. The charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Allen Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Allen, S.D., man charged with abusive sexual contact was sentenced on March 26, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken. Frederick Lee Packed, 45, was sentenced to 36 months in prison, 15 years supervised release and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. In June 2011, near Martin, Packed engaged in sexual contact with a person who was incapable of declining participation. Packed pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2011. Mandaree Man Sentenced for Child Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on March 29, 2012, Norman Standish, 38, of Mandaree, N.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of child abuse in Indian country. Standish pleaded guilty to the charge on Sept. 29, 2011. Judge Hovland sentenced Standish to three years and five months, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Standish was ordered to pay restitution of $112,037.59 and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund. Standish was ordered to register as an offender against children in the state of North Dakota. On April 15, 2010, Standish was caring for a two-month-old foster child. Standish shook the child, which resulted in an injury to the child’s head and brain. Man Sentenced For Murder on Indian Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mie/)
Daniel Lawrence Fuller, 31, of Mount Pleasant Mich., was sentenced to 300 months in prison and five years supervised release for second degree murder on March 22, 2012. Fuller pleaded guilty to the charge on Dec. 7, 2012. The evidence at the plea hearing established that on July 10, 2010, Fuller strangled his sister, Iva Joy Fuller, to death on the Isabella Reservation. Man Sentenced for Shooting Gun Inside House on Indian Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mie/)
Gonnzalo Alaniz Jr., 44, of Mount Pleasant, Mich., was sentenced to 14 months in prison and two years of supervised release on March 22, 2012. Alaniz was sentenced in connection to his guilty plea on Oct. 11, 2011. The evidence at the plea hearing established that on Feb. 23, 2011, Alaniz discharged a firearm on the Isabella Reservation after having previously been convicted of a felony. Mission Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Shad Dillon, 39, of Mission, S.D., charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced to 40 months in custody, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Dillon pleaded guilty to the charges on Jan. 4, 2012. The convictions stem from an incident that took place on June 30, 2011, when Dillon was driving under the influence of alcohol, in excess of the posted 45 mile per hour speed limit and struck the victim’s vehicle, killing two occupants of the victim’s car. Northern Arapaho Man Sentenced for Aggravated Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Ronald York, 23, of Ethete, Wyo., and enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, was sentenced on March 26, 2012, to 20 months in prison and three years of supervised release. York pleaded guilty to aggravated assault for his role in the Aug. 5, 2001, death of John Michael Crispin III. Northern Arapaho Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Anthony Lincoln, 25, of Ethete, Wyo., and an enrolled member of the Norther Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, was sentenced on March 26, 2012. The defendant pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and was sentenced to 108 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in the Aug. 5, 2011 death of John Michael Crispin III. Norther Arapaho Man Charged with One Count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to Do Bodily Harm and One Count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Allen Standing Elk, 29, of Fort Washakie, Wyo., and an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, was charged with one count of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, in connection with allegations the defendant used a weapon to cause serious bodily injury to the victim following a dispute. Standing Elk is also charged with one count of assault on a federal officer in connection with allegations he assaulted of Bureau of Indian Affairs/Wind River Police Department of Corrections Officer while housed in the Wind River Police Department Detention Center. The defendant is detained pending trial. Eastern Shoshone Man Charged with One Count of Assault on a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Darolin “Toby” Surrel, 42, of Fort Washakie, Wyo., and an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, was charged with one count of assault on a federal officer in connection with allegations he used a dangerous weapon in assaulting a Bureau of Indian Affairs/Wind River Police Department Officer who responded to a call involving the defendant on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Eastern Shoshone Man Charged with Two Counts of Assault on a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Russell James Ute, 29, of Fort Washakie, Wyo., and an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Indian Reservation, was charged with two counts of assault on a federal officer for his role in two separate incidents on the Wind River Indian Reservation and involving multiple federal law enforcement officers. Crow Agency Man Arraignment on Four Counts of Second Degree Murder (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced that Bruce Wayne Eagleman, 25, of Crow Agency, was arraigned on four counts of second degree murder and four counts of involuntary manslaughter on March 26, 2012. He is currently detained. If convicted, Eagleman faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years supervised release. Jonson Dean Running Crane Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced that Jonson Dean Running Crane, 23, of Browning, Mont., was sentenced to 30 months in prison, a $100 special assessment and three years of supervised release on March 26, 201. Running Crane was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Navajo Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona - http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/)
On March 26, 2012, Timothy Yazzie, 38, of Dilkon, Ariz., was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty by a federal jury of three counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. The evidence at trial showed that the defendant used force and threats to coerce a 13 year-old victim to repeatedly engage in sexual intercourse with him. Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Clayton Paul High Pipe, 23, of Mission, S.D., pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on Mar. 13, 2012. On Jul. 13, 2010, High Pipe and two other people randomly attacked a man, who suffered jaw fractures and other serious injuries. The assault occurred at the Sunrise Apartment Complex in Mission. A sentencing date was set for Jun. 4, 2012, and High Pipe faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Warm Springs Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon - http://www.justice.gov/usao/or/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon announced that Jana Julia Jackson, 20, of Warm Springs, Ore., was sentenced to 30 months in prison and six months in a residential alcohol treatment program by U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones on March 12, 2012. Jackson previously pleaded guilty to involuntary man slaughter. On Oct. 11, 2011, Jackson was driving over the speed limit while under the influence of alcohol. She attempted to find a CD, lost control of the vehicle and crashed the car. Rodney Estimo, a passenger in the car and an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, was ejected from the vehicle and died as a result of traumatic injuries. Warm Springs Woman Sentenced to over Three Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Victim with Knife (U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon - http://www.justice.gov/usao/or)
Krystal Lee Finnley, 20, of Warm Springs, Ore., was sentenced to 37 months in prison and three years supervised release by U.S. District Judge Ancer L. Haggerty on March 12, 2012. Finnley previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. On Jun. 3, 2011, Finnley sliced the victim’s throat while intoxicated. The victim required 11 staples in his neck to close the wound. Navajo Man Indicted in Home Invasion (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona - http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced that Lee Kinder Tso, 50, a resident of Many Farms, Ariz., and a member of the Navajo Nation, was indicted by a federal grand jury for assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that Tso shot two victims with a rifle on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation on Feb. 3, 2012. A conviction for each count of assault resulting in serious physical injury and assault with a dangerous weapon has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for use of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison consecutive to any other time imposed. Belcourt Man Pleads Guilty to False Statements (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that Robin Peltier, Jr., 23, of Belcourt, N.D., pleaded guilty to false statements in an investigation of a sexual assault in U.S. District Court. In a plea agreement, Pelterier admitted to lying about his presence in a car near Belcourt on Feb. 28, 2010 and lying about sexual acts with another person. A sentencing date was set for May 14, 2012, and Peltier faces a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and $250,000 fine. Manderson Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Leo Villareal, 27, of Manderson, S.D., was sentenced to 120 months in prison, 10 years supervised release, and $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 8, 2012. Villareal was previously convicted of one count of aggravated sexual abuse and one count of sexual abuse. In Mar. 2010, Villarreal sexually assaulted a child under the age of 16 as well as an adult woman. Browning Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Kevin Alfred Gobert, 26, of Browning, Mont., was sentenced to 60 months in prison, five years supervised release, and $200 special assessment by U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon on Mar. 12, 2012. Gobert previously plead guilty to abusive sexual contact and production of obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of a child. On Jan. 21, 2011, Gobert took pictures of a young girl’s genital area and knowingly made sexual contact with the victim in the process. The incident occurred in a residence located in the external boundaries of the Blackfeet Indian reservation. Rocky Boy Man Pleads Guilty to Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced that Sage Ferguson, 18, a resident of Rocky Boy, Mont., and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury on March 13, 2012. On Aug. 28, 2011, Ferguson was driving while intoxicated and crashed a truck within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. As a result of the crash, a passenger suffered a thoracic fracture and paralysis from the waist down. A sentencing date was set for June 25, 2012, and Ferguson faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, three years supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Browning Man Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announced that Allan Charles Lawson, 41, of Browning, Mont., was sentenced to 96 months in prison, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment by U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon on March 14, 2012. Lawson previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. On Sept. 18, 2010, Lawson repeatedly punched the victim in the face after consuming methamphetamine. The victim obtained serious injuries from the assault, including a subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left parietal area and a left tripod fracture. The incident occurred within the external boundaries of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Striking a Woman in the Face (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota - http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Curtis Swift Bird, 55, of Pine Ridge, S.D., was sentenced to 19 months in prison, three years supervised release and a $100 special assessment by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on March 8, 2012. Swift Bird previously pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. In February 2011, Swift Bird hit a woman in the face, breaking her nose. The victim required surgery to repair the damage. ENVIRONMENTAL CRIMES
Batesland Man Sentenced for Selling Eagles and Hawks (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/) U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tilden Reddest, 40, of Batesland, S.D., was sentenced to five years probation, one year weekend community confinement, 400 hours community service and a $125 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on Feb. 24, 2012. Reddest was previously pleaded guilty to unlawfully trafficking in eagle feathers on Sept. 30, 2011. DRUG ENFORCEMENT
Rosanna Lynn Walks Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/) The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that, on March 21, 2012, Rosanna Lynn Walks, 37, of Crow Agency, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, a $100 special assessment and five years supervised release. Walks was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Read “Prevention and Recovery: Quarterly Newsletter for Indian Country,” developed by the Tribal Law and Order Act – Interagency Indian Alcohol and Substance Abuse Coordinating Committee, which is a multi-agency collaboration by the Departments of Justice, Interior and Health and Human Services. www.samhsa.gov/tloa/docs/newsletter/prevention-and-recovery-winter-2012.pdf Related Stories:
Updates on Indian Country from the Department of Justice (3/20)
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