BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on February 23, 2012, Chet Brunelle, 26, of Belcourt, N.D., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

On January 7, 2011, a victim went to a house party in the Belcourt area. Upon arriving at the party, Brunelle became upset because of the victim’s presence. Brunelle assaulted the victim, using his fists to strike the victim in the face. The victim suffered facial fractures, which required medical treatment. A second victim arrived shortly after the first assault. Brunelle also assaulted the second victim in the face, causing lacerations which required numerous stitches, resulting in permanent scarring.

Each count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Turtle Mountain Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Sentencing for Brunelle has been scheduled for May 21, 2012, in U.S. District Court in Bismarck, N.D., at 2:00 p.m.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell is prosecuting the case.

 

 

 

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