Christopher Joseph Ladue Pleads Guilty In U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on May 9, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, CHRISTOPHER JOSEPH LADUE, a 26-year-old resident of Browning and an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Tribe, pled guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. Sentencing has been set for August 14, 2013. He is currently detained.

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

On February 3, 2012, Blackfeet Child Protective Services notified the FBI that a twelve-year-old girl ("X.X.") tested positive for pregnancy at the Blackfeet Community Hospital. The school therapist treating X.X. reported to investigators that X.X. spoke about spending time with LADUE.

When questioned, LADUE admitted that he was likely the father of X.X.'s baby.

LADUE faces possible penalties of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.