Cut Bank man sentenced for strangulation, assault charges

GREAT FALLS — A Cut Bank man convicted of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation was sentenced on Wednesday to 42 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said today.

Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, pleaded guilty in June to strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of a protection order.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. Chief Judge Morris also ordered $1,800 restitution.

In court documents filed in the case, the government 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 traveled from the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in order to violate a portion of a protection order that prohibits violence, threats and communication with another person.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley prosecuted 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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