BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on May 21, 2012, Chet Brunelle, 27, of Belcourt, N.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Brunelle pleaded guilty to the charges on February 23, 2012.

Judge Hovland sentenced Brunelle to two years in federal prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Brunelle was ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Crime Victim’s Fund and to pay $4,688.62 in restitution.

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.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell prosecuted the case.

 

 

 

 

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