The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on November 23, 2011, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, LLOYD T. RIDER, a 24-year-old resident of Browning, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Sentencing has been set for March 8, 2011.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Weiss, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On March 21, 2011, RIDER, an enrolled tribal member, was at a home on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation with several other individuals. RIDER went outside the house to the driveway and his then-girlfriend followed him out. RIDER turned around and pointed a gun at her head. RIDER's brother intervened and maneuvered the girlfriend back into the home. At that point, RIDER told his brother something to the effect of "I'm going to shoot someone." He placed the weapon under his own chin, then asked his brother, "Do you want me to shoot up your house?" RIDER's brother said, "No, your niece and nephew are in the house." RIDER then pointed the gun at his brother's head and asked his brother if he wanted to die. At that point, RIDER's brother was able to talk him down, and one of the individuals in the house called the police.

RIDER faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.

 

 

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