The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on September 22, 2011, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, ROBERT WAR CLUB, a 49-year-old resident of Wolf Point, appeared for sentencing. WAR CLUB was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: life

Special Assessment: $100

Restitution: $16,007.92

WAR CLUB was sentenced after a federal district court trial in which he was found guilty of first degree murder.

At trial, the following evidence and testimony was presented to the jury.

On April 20, 2006, Richard Green's body was found in his garage, located outside of Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Green was a pawnbroker and poker dealer, both cash businesses. He was known to carry large amounts of cash. He had injuries to his head and face, and his throat had been slashed. The lining of his pocket was pulled out and there was no money in his pockets or wallet. The knife, a red butterfly knife, which was used to slash Green's throat, was laying near the body. After an investigation that involved interviews, evidence collection, and laboratory testing of evidence, a hair and fiber found on Green's body and in his body bag were linked to WAR CLUB. WAR CLUB had purchased a red butterfly knife from a local knife dealer, months before the murder and had been seen with a red butterfly knife before the murder.

WAR CLUB, a former tribal criminal investigator, had become addicted to pills and meth after sustaining an on-the-job shoulder injury that ended his law enforcement career. Months before the murder, WAR CLUB's workers compensation benefits were cut off. At the time of Green's murder, WAR CLUB owed Green $2,000, more than anyone else. On April 20, 2006, WAR CLUB was given a ride to Green's house, before the body was found.

The conviction of Robbie War Club and the Court's imposition of a life sentence today would not have been possible without the cooperation of our law enforcement partners and the diligent work of the jury in this case. Justice for the victim and community has been achieved through this conviction and sentence." United States Attorney Michael W. Cotter.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori H. Suek and Leif Johnson prosecuted the case for the United States.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that WAR CLUB will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, WAR CLUB does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

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