Wendell Lester Wolf Black, Sr. Pleads Guilty In U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney(s Office announced that during a federal court session in Helena, on September 30, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, WENDELL LESTER WOLF BLACK, SR., a 46-year-old resident of Crow Agency and an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for January 6, 2014. He is currently detained.

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

On June 18, 2012, WOLF BLACK and his sons drove to the victim's house located at Dunmore, which is within the exterior boundaries of the Crow Indian Reservation. When they arrived at the house, they knocked on the door and the victim came outside. The victim was unaware that there were any problems between him and the WOLF BLACKs. WOLF BLACK, however, believed that the victim was responsible for a prior assault on his son that caused disabling injuries.

While the victim was outside of his house, he asked WOLF BLACK for a cigarette and followed him out to WOLF BLACK's truck. At that point, WOLF BLACK hit the victim numerous times with a crow bar. He was hit in the leg, back, and head, and went down to the ground unable to defend himself against the attack. He heard one of WOLF BLACK's sons yell, "This is for my brother," and he heard WOLF BLACK say, "This is for fighting my son."

The victim sought medical treatment for his injuries. The victim suffered multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung. These injuries met the definition of serious bodily injury according to the treating physician.

WOLF BLACK faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years supervised release on each charge.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.