Cut Bank man admits strangulation, assault charges

GREAT FALLS – A Cut Bank man accused of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation admitted multiple charges on June 23, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, pleaded guilty to strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of a protection order. Connelly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the strangulation count, and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault count and the violation of protection order count.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris set sentencing for Oct. 7. Connelly was detained pending further proceedings.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on Feb. 16, Connelly strangled and assaulted the victim, identified as Jane Doe, near Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, causing her substantial injuries. The government further alleged that on March 25, Connelly violated a portion of a protection order that prohibits violence, threats and communication with another person.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.

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