Newsletter

PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES IN INDIAN COUNTRY

Justice Department Announces Grant Solicitation for Funding to Federally-Recognized Tribes and Tribal Consortia (U.S. Department of Justice)
The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Jan. 18, 2012, that the comprehensive grant solicitation for funding to support improvements to public safety, victim services and crime prevention in American Indian and Alaska Native communities was posted at www.justice.gov/tribal/open-sol.html. All materials are now accessible for review. The Community Partnerships Grants Management System will begin accepting electronic applications on Monday, Jan. 23, 2012.

“We are committed to helping strengthen and sustain safe and healthy American Indian and Alaska Native communities with a funding process that is responsive and coordinated,” said Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli. “This effort to streamline the grant application process, with multiple purpose areas, offers tribes and tribal consortia an opportunity to develop a comprehensive and community-based approach to public safety and support for victims.”

A total of more than $101.4 million is available through the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Coordinated Tribal Assistance Solicitation (CTAS) and is administered by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). The funding can be used to conduct comprehensive planning, enhance law enforcement, bolster justice systems, support and enhance tribal efforts to prevent and control delinquency and strengthen the juvenile justice system, prevent youth substance abuse, serve victims of crimes like domestic violence and sexual assault, and support other efforts to combat crimes. To view the fact sheet on the FY 2012 CTAS, visit www.justice.gov//tribal/ctas2012/ctas-factsheet.pdf.

The deadline for submitting applications in response to this grant announcement is 9:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday, April 18, 2012.

U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon Named Vice-Chair of DOJ Native American Issues Subcommittee (www.justice.gov/usao/nd/)
South Dakota U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson, Chair of the Native America Issues Subcommittee (NAIS) of the Department of Justice’s Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, has announced the appointment of North Dakota U.S. Attorney Timothy Purdon as vice-chair of the NAIS. 

In Bismarck, U.S. Attorney Purdon said, “I am humbled and honored that I have been asked to serve as the vice-chair of this committee. Improving public safety in reservation communities in North Dakota has been a top priority for me since I was confirmed as U.S. Attorney and my commitment to this cause has not wavered. I now look forward to working with my colleagues from across the country to address this critical issue at the national level.”

The NAIS is made up of 30 U.S. Attorneys from across the United States whose districts contain Indian Country or one or more federally recognized tribes. The NAIS focuses exclusively on Indian Country issues, both criminal and civil, and is responsible for making policy recommendations to the Attorney General of the United States regarding public safety and legal issues that impact tribal communities.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION

Fort Totten Men Plead Guilty to Corruption Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Jan. 11, 2012, William Kazena, 67, and Martina Kazena, 66, of Fort Totten, N.D., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Chief Judge Ralph R. Erickson to charges of conspiracy to embezzle from an Indian tribal organization and aiding and abetting. Both defendants, as part of the conspiracy, pleaded guilty to willfully embezzling, stealing and misapplying property, moneys, funds and credits belonging to the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, a program administered by the Spirit Lake Tribe, Fort Totten, N.D.

Northern Arapaho Woman Sentenced for Embezzlement or Conversion of Monies from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds and Aiding and Abetting (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on Jan. 6, 2012, Melody St. Clair, 65, a former Northern Arapaho Department of Social Services Finance Administrator from the Wind River Indian Reservation, appeared in federal court. Having pleaded guilty to one count of embezzling or conversion of monies from an organization receiving federal funds and aiding and abetting, St. Clair was sentenced to five months in prison to be followed by two years probation. 

 DRUG AND FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT

Former Chief of Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking (U.S. Attorney for the District of Northern New York)
U.S. Attorney Richard S. Hartunian announced that Phillip Tarbell, age 69, of Hogansburg, New York, was sentenced on Jan. 10, 2012, to 12 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release, and a $10,000 fine. Phillip Tarbell, a former chief of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, was initially arrested on Nov. 12, 2010, at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint located on New York State Route 9, in Essex County, N.Y. Tarbell was in possession of two hockey bags that contained 89.5 pounds of marijuana at the time of his arrest. On Feb. 7, 2011, Tarbell pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. On Nov. 3, 2011, while on federal supervision pending sentencing, DEA agents in southern New York arrested Tarbell for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute MDMA (ecstasy), a controlled substance, to an undercover agent. That arrest resulted in additional drug trafficking charges which remain pending in the Eastern District of New York.

Hardin Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Conspiracy Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana - www.justice.gov/usao/mt/)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on Jan.18, 2012, Nalayna Rose Bullinsight, 33, of Hardin, Mont., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Sentencing has been set for April 18, 2012. She is currently released on special condition. The Bureau of Indian Affairs Drug Enforcement Division has been involved in an ongoing investigation related to the distribution of methamphetamine in and around the Crow Indian Reservation. As part of that investigation, Bullinsight was identified as a distributor of methamphetamine.

Gila River Man Sentenced To Over Six Years for Selling Crack Cocaine (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona - www.justice.gov/usao/az/)
Joseph Kelly Molina, 35, of Sacaton, Ariz., and a member of the Gila River Indian Tribe, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison on Jan. 9, 2012. On Aug. 8, 2011, Molina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.  Between December 2007 and May 2009, during an undercover investigation on the Gila River Indian Reservation, Molina and his co-defendant, Darin James Kisto, conspired to sell, and did sell, cocaine base, to an undercover officer on multiple occasions. Kisto was sentenced on Oct. 24, 2011, to 87 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
   
Browning Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Meth Conspiracy (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on Jan. 9, 2012, that William Frederick Heavyrunner, 20, of Browning, was sentenced to 132 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Heavyrunner was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The conviction stems from an extensive investigation by the Blackfeet Safe Trails Task Force (BSTTF) and agents with the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation (DCI) into large-scale methamphetamine trafficking in Kalispell and on the Blackfeet Reservation between early 2009 and the winter of 2011.   

Four McKinley County Residents Plead Guilty To Federal Drug Trafficking Offenses (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzalez announced that on Jan. 5, 2012, four McKinley County residents pleaded guilty to drug trafficking offenses in federal court in Albuquerque. The defendants were four of the nine defendants arrested on Oct. 18, 2010, as a result of a five-month investigation by the DEA and BIA initiated in May 2010 at the request of the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety (NNDPS) and for the purpose of combating the growing drug trafficking problem in and around the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Jason Jaramillo, 33, of Grants, N.M., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the federal drug laws, distribution of more than five grams of methamphetamine and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. Michael Goodson, 48, and Georgia Goodson, 37, both of Prewitt, N.M., each pleaded guilty seven counts of conspiracy to violate the federal drug laws, three separate distributions of marijuana; distribution of more than five grams of methamphetamine, distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and maintaining a place for the distribution of controlled substances. Gilbert Aragon, 34, of Grants, N.M., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the federal drug laws and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  

Each faces a mandatory minimum ten years of imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment when they are sentenced. The charges in the superseding indictment were the result of  “Operation Yé’iitsoh.” an investigation brought pursuant to the Native American Project, an initiative sponsored by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and is supported by the DEA’s Albuquerque District Office in partnership with the BIA and the NNDPS.  

VIOLENT CRIME PROSECUTION

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of Children from the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Two Separate Cases (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota -
www.justice.gov/usao/sd/)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Clarence Jeffrey Smith, aka Jeffrey Clarence Smith, 30, of Rosebud, S.D., appeared in federal court on Jan. 18, 2012. In two separate cases, Smith pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of children from the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation.  In both cases, the maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Eastern Shoshone Man Indicted for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming - www.justice.gov/usao/wy/)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Jerel Tillman, 18, an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, appeared in federal court on Jan. 19, 2012, after having been indicted on allegations of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm. Each charge carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison and fine of $250,000. A detention hearing and arraignment have been set for Jan. 24, 2012, in Lander, Wyo.

Northern Arapaho Woman Indicted for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that Michelle Crispin, 32, an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, appeared in federal court on Jan. 19, 2012, for an arraignment and detention hearing. Ms. Crispin has been charged by indictment with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum potential punishment of eight years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Ms. Crispin has pleaded not guilty to this charge and has been detained pending further proceedings. Trial in this matter has been set for March 26, 2012. 

Northern Arapaho Man Indicted for Assaulting a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced today that William James Hanway Sr., 27, an enrolled member of the Northern Arapaho Tribe of the Wind River Reservation, appeared in federal court on Jan. 19, 2012, after having been indicted on one count of assaulting a federal officer in connection with an incident with a Wind River Police Department officer. The charge carries a maximum penalty of eight years in prison and fine of $250,000. Trial has been set for March 26, 2012, in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Men Plead Guilty in Assault Case (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota - www.justice.gov/usao/nd/)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Jan. 17, 2012, Virgil Standing Crow, 20, of Bismarck, N.D., pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Lyle Red Tomahawk Jr., 21, of Fort Yates, N.D., pleaded guilty to a charge of aiding and abetting Virgil Standing Crow in the assault. On Aug. 14, 2011, Standing Crow and Red Tomahawk attacked the victim, with Standing Crow hitting him in the face numerous times, because the victim had befriended another person on Facebook. The victim suffered a fractured orbital bone, which required surgery to repair. The charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and the charge of aiding and abetting each carry a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Gila River Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel announced that Steven Burnette III, 41, of Sacaton, Ariz., was sentenced on Jan. 17, 2012, in federal court to 41 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Burnette pleaded guilty on Aug. 30, 2011, to the crime of involuntary manslaughter. On Dec. 3, 2010, Burnette drove his car, which contained three passengers, while intoxicated. Burnette drove in excess of 50 miles per hour on a dirt road on the Gila River Indian Community. After failing to stop for stop signs and driving erratically, Burnette crashed into a canal that he did not see. Burnette’s front seat passenger died as a result of the crash. 

Federal Jury Convicts Navajo Man From Arizona on Rape Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico - www.justice.gov/usao/nm/)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that on Jan. 13, 2012, a federal jury convicted Derrick Ivan Jim, 29, a member of the Navajo Nation from Red Valley, Ariz., of two rape offenses after a five-day trial. At sentencing, Jim faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. Jim is in federal custody and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. The evidence at trial established that Jim assaulted and forcibly raped a young woman on the Navajo Nation in the early morning hours of Aug. 13, 2010.    

St. Michael Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)
U. S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Jan. 13, 2012, Joseph Brown, Jr., of St. Michael, N.D., was sentenced in federal court on a charge of attempted aggravated sexual abuse. Brown was sentenced to life in prison to be followed by lifetime supervised release, in the event he should ever be released from custody. On Nov. 3, 2011, Brown, 59, was found guilty by a 12-person jury of attempting to rape a young woman while using force. The incident occurred on Aug. 18, 2009, at Brown’s rural farm on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. Because Brown had more than two previous convictions for serious violent crimes he faced a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison. 

Federal Jury Finds Man Guilty of Assaulting Woman on Bois Forte Indian Reservation District’s first “habitual offender” prosecution (U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones)
U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced that on Jan. 12, 2012, in Duluth, a federal jury convicted a 53-year-old man for the domestic assault of a woman on the Bois Forte Indian Reservation. Chris Neil Ferguson was found guilty of one count of domestic assault by a habitual offender. This is the first time the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota has prosecuted anyone under the federal “domestic assault by a habitual offender” law. Ferguson was indicted for this crime on Sept. 20, 2011. According to the indictment and the evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 19, 2009, Ferguson, a non-Indian who was residing in a halfway house, committed a domestic assault against the Indian victim while the couple was visiting others on the reservation. The victim sustained injuries to her face. Ferguson has five prior assault convictions, including convictions in St. Louis County for felony domestic assault (2008) and gross misdemeanor domestic assault (2002). For his crime, Ferguson faces a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison. 

Porcupine Man Sentenced to Imprisonment for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Don Williams, 39, of Porcupine, S.D., charged with sexual abuse, was sentenced on Jan. 5, 2012, to six years in prison, and five years of supervised release. The charge relates to Williams engaging in a sexual act with a woman who was physically incapable of declining participation on Jan. 25, 2010, in Kyle, S.D.  Williams pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual abuse on Oct. 17, 2011.
 
Wakpala Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that on Jan.10, 2012, Justin Birdhorse, 34, of Wakpala, S.D., pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. The conviction was a result of an incident that occurred on Aug. 12, 2011. The defendant entered a residence in Wakpala, S.D., and went into the victim’s bedroom. The victim was asleep on her bed. The defendant then sexually assaulted her. A sentencing date was set for April 16, 2012.  

Red Lake man sentenced for sexually abusing a child (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)
U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced that a 22-year-old Red Lake man was sentenced for sexually abusing a minor female while on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Michael J. Davis sentenced Byron Keith Kingbird, Jr., to 36 months in prison on one count of sexual abuse of a minor. Kingbird was indicted on May 2, 2011, and pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2011. In his plea agreement, Kingbird admitted that in January 2009, he assaulted the girl, who was between the age of 12 and 16 at the time.

Mission Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, S.D., man charged with abusive sexual contact was sentenced on Jan. 9, 2012. Eugene L. Featherman, 23, was sentenced to nine months in custody, nine months of community confinement and five years of supervised release. Featherman was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 12, 2011, and pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 17, 2011. On or about the May 1, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2005, Featherman had sexual contact with a child who had not attained the age of 12.   
           
Third Defendant Sentenced In Trading Post Robbery (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on Jan. 9, 2012, Garrison Gorman, 22, a member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced to 51 months in prison after pleading guilty to armed robbery. Co-defendants Jercelo Jim and Charles Yazzie had earlier pleaded guilty and been sentenced on the same charge; Jim was sentenced to 51 months in prison and Yazzie was sentenced to 54 months in prison. On July 7, 2010, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, Gorman, along with co-defendants, Jim and Yazzie, entered the Round Rock Trading Post. The three defendants were dressed all in black, two were wearing bandanas to cover their mouths, and Gorman was carrying a rifle. Gorman pointed the rifle at the victim and demanded the victim give them all of his money. The victim placed the cash drawer on the counter and Gorman grabbed all of the cash. The defendants stole additional items from the store before they fled. They were apprehended later that same day. 

White Mountain Apache Man Sentenced To 44 Months In Prison For Stabbing (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel announced that Nathan Lavender, 29, of Whiteriver, Ariz., and a member of the White Mountain Apache Indian Tribe, was sentenced on Jan. 9, 2012, to 44 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon. The case was tried in federal court in October 2011. The evidence at trial showed that in August 2009 the defendant stabbed another male tribal member three times in the chest. The victim was later flown to Scottsdale Osborn Hospital to undergo surgery for the stab wounds.  

Baraga Woman Sentenced For Biting Off Victim’s Nose (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan - www.justice.gov/usao/miw/)
U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today that Donalyn Lynette Taisto, 41, of Baraga, Mich., was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 46 months in federal prison. In addition to the prison term, Taisto will serve three years of supervised release following her release from prison. On Oct. 21, 2011, Taisto pleaded guilty to count 3 of an indictment charging her with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Counts 1 and 2, alleging assault with a dangerous weapon, were dismissed at sentencing. The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on April 21, 2011, in Baraga County on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation. During the course of the early morning hours on April 21, an altercation began between Ms. Taisto and the victim, during which she bit off the tip of the victim’s nose, struck him with a lamp and cut him with a knife. This assault left the victim permanently disfigured.

Browning Man Pleads Guilty To Sexually Abusing Toddler (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on Jan. 10, 2012, Jonathan Alexander Headcarrier, 21, of Browning, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse.  Sentencing has been set for April 5, 2012. He is currently detained. In an offer of proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura B. Weiss, the government stated it would have proved at trial that on April 5, 2010, Headcarrier sexually abused the 3-year-old victim, who he was babysitting while her foster parents went to the store.

Fort Kipp Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on Jan. 10, 2012, Leonard Dean Follette, 50, of Fort Kipp, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a female victim in 2003 when she was 12 years old. Sentencing has been set for April 5, 2012.  He is currently detained. Follette said he used to work for Head Start until 1998. The victim was in Head Start, and he later babysat her and her brother until their parents got off work. Follette admitted to sexually abusing the victim twice. Follette faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years of supervised release.
            
Parmelee Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Parmelee, S.D., man charged with sexual abuse of a minor was sentenced on Jan. 9, 2012. Ian James Burning Breast, 19, was sentenced to 33 months in custody and five years of supervised release. The defendant was also ordered to register as a sex offender. Burning Breast was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 5, 2011, and pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 20, 2011. During the time period of Oct. 1, 2010, to Dec. 31, 2010, Ian James Burning Breast engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, at a time when she was 13 years old and he was over 18 years old.
             
Okreek Man Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Okreek, S.D., man charged with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury was sentenced on Jan. 9, 2012. Adam Joe Hedrick, aka Wah-T Bear Shield, 33, was sentenced to 30 months in custody and three years of supervised release. Hedrick was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 10, 2011, and pleaded guilty to the charge on Oct. 20, 2011. At a drinking gathering on Feb. 26, 2010, in Todd County, Hedrick, grabbed the victim’s arm and pushed it against a heating element on a stove, causing her arm to burn in a circular burn pattern. The victim experienced extreme physical pain and serious bodily injury.  

Mandaree Man Sentenced for Assault and Theft Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Jan. 5, 2012, Kalolo N. Iu, 22, of Mandaree, N.D., was sentenced in federal court on charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and theft within Indian country. Iu pleaded guilty to the charges on Oct. 11, 2011. Judge Hovland sentenced Iu to two years six months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Iu was ordered to pay restitution of $8,231.22. On May 7, 2011, Iu and the victim were celebrating a family member’s wedding at various locations throughout the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. During the night, Iu became upset with the victim and began to assault her, striking her in the head and body multiple times. The assault resulted in hospitalization of the victim. 

Northern Arapaho Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on Jan. 6, 2012, Milton Trosper, a 41-year-old Northern Arapaho Tribal Member from Ethete, Wyo., on the Wind River Indian Reservation, was sentenced by Federal District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Trosper pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He received 18 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, was ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment and restitution in the amount of $2,559.00 for medical expenses for the victim. As a part of the plea agreement, the defendant also agreed to plead guilty to battery in the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribal Court in connection with this case. This case was investigated by the FBI.  

Missoula Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Child (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls on Jan. 5, 2012, Aaron Reese Little Eagle, 27 of Missoula, appeared for sentencing. Little Eagle was sentenced to 84 months in prison and three years of supervised release. Little Eagle was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to sexual abuse. In an offer of proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley, the government stated it would have proved at trial that Little Eagle sexual abused the victim while living in a foster home where Little Eagle also lived. 

***

News Highlight:  Read "Prevention & Recovery"(www.samhsa.gov/tloa/docs/newsletter/pq-v1-122111.pdf), a newsletter recently published by the Multi-Agency Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention Collaboration. The quarterly newsletter highlights efforts by the Departments of Justice, Interior, and Health and Human Services to address alcohol and substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities by working together. Read more about this multi-agency collaboration: www.samhsa.gov/tloa.