The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on September 6, 2011, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, FRED MARTIN BELLY MULE, JR., a 35-year-old resident of Lame Deer, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for December 7, 2011. He is currently detained.

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

On the evening of March 28, 2011, P.L.L.B. was with BELLY MULE at his residence in Lame Deer. The two had been drinking and BELLY MULE was intoxicated. BELLY MULE became angry with P.L.L.B. after he learned that P.L.L.B. did not have some jewelry that he had purchased for P.L.L.B. (P.L.L.B.'s daughters had taken the jewelry to wear that evening.). BELLY MULE kicked P.L.L.B. twice in the face with "dress shoes," kicked P.L.L.B. in the legs, punched P.L.L.B. repeatedly with closed fists, dragged P.L.L.B. around by the hair, and bit and choked P.L.L.B.

P.L.L.B. was taken to the IHS Clinic in Lame Deer and treated for the injuries. The treating physician stated that P.L.L.B.'s injuries constituted "serious bodily injury."

On March 29, 2011, when interviewed, P.L.L.B. indicated that the injuries caused her extreme physical pain.

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

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

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

 

 

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