The United States Attorney's Office announced that on July 25, 2012, in Billings, after a federal district court trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, ALEX MEDICINE HORSE, a 69-year-old resident of Lodge Grass and an enrolled member of the Crow Indian Tribe, was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse. Sentencing is set for October 31, 2012. He is currently detained.

At trial, the following evidence and testimony was presented to the jury.

While a 6-year-old child was undergoing a medical examination at the Children's Clinic in Billings, she disclosed that MEDICINE HORSE had touched her "private part" with his hands. The incident took place at a residence in Lodge Grass which is within the exterior boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation.

On November 4, 2010, MEDICINE HORSE was interviewed regarding the victim's allegations and he denied ever touching her in a sexual manner. Afterward, however, he confessed that he had put the victim on his lap, had inserted his hand inside her underwear, and had touched her vaginal area for approximately one minute. MEDICINE HORSE also stated that he had not been truthful earlier in the interview because he "did not want to get into trouble." Following the interview, a tape-recorded statement was given by MEDICINE HORSE.

The victim also disclosed to her older sister and to a cousin what MEDICINE HORSE had done to her. Specifically, the victim disclosed that MEDICINE HORSE had touched her in her private part.

Assistant U.S. Attorney E. Vincent Carroll prosecuted the case for the United States.

MEDICINE HORSE faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

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