The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on February 8, 2012, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, MICHAEL BRYANT, JR., a 48-year-old resident of Lame Deer and an enrolled member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Indians, pled guilty to (2) domestic assaults by a habitual offender. Sentencing has been set for May 9, 2012. 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 February 28, 2011, the first victim was living with BRYANT in Birney, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. BRYANT grabbed the victim and dragged her off their bed onto the floor. BRYANT then pulled her hair, repeatedly punched and kicked her, and bit her fingers. BRYANT then threatened her that if she told anyone what had happened he would hurt her.

On May 7, 2011, another victim was living with BRYANT in Birney. BRYANT woke the victim by yelling at her because he could not find his truck keys. BRYANT proceeded to choke the victim until she almost passed out.

BRYANT was interviewed and admitted to the above assaults. BRYANT has at least two prior domestic assault convictions in tribal court.

BRYANT faces possible penalties of 5 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release on each charge.

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

 

 

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