U.S. Attorney Wrigley Announces the Arrest of a Belcourt, ND, Man for Malicious Mischief (Destruction of the Turtle Mountain State Bank)

FARGO—United States Attorney Drew Wrigley announced that a federal grand jury has indicted Travis Crissler, age 39, Belcourt, ND, for felony Malicious Mischief. The Indictment was unsealed today, alleging that on April 29, 2020, Crissler drove his vehicle through the doors of the Turtle Mountain State Bank, in Belcourt, ND. Crissler is then alleged to have tied a set of chains to a second door of the bank, secured the chains to the front of his vehicle, and then backed-up his vehicle in an attempt to tear the door structure away from the bank. The attacks caused extensive damage to the bank structure.

"These acts of violence and destruction will not be ignored," said United States Attorney Drew Wrigley, "and we will work to ensure that businesses operate free from threats, intimidation, and destruction."

Grand jury Indictments are allegations and are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s office, with Assistant United States Attorney Dawn M. Dietz assigned to the case.

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