George Theodore Sutherland Pleads Guilty In U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on November 7, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong. GEORGE THEODORE SUTHERLAND, a 21-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for February 7, 2014. He is currently detained.

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

On April 3, 2012, within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy(s Indian Reservation, SUTHERLAND chased the victim down a road, intentionally kicking her and causing the victim to fall and strike her head on the ground.

As a result of the fall, the victim suffered a gash on her temple. The victim sought treatment at the Northern Montana Hospital Emergency Room. The victim bled a significant amount. In addition to receiving several sutures, the victim was treated for her extreme physical pain.

SUTHERLAND faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.