TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS Nov. 24 – Dec. 5, 2011

INDIAN COUNTRY PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES

For More Information about the Justice Department’s initiatives and programs in Indian Country, visit the Tribal Justice and Safety Website: http://www.justice.gov/tribal/ and The Justice Blog: http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/category/tribal

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U.S. Attorney Speaks At Memorial To Kickapoo Tribal Police Chief (U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas)

The late Kickapoo Tribal Police Chief Tom Conklin, Jr., was honored Wednesday at a memorial ceremony in which the building housing the Kickapoo Tribal Police Department and tribal courts was renamed the Kickapoo Tribal Judicial Center and Thomas L. Conklin, Jr., Law Enforcement Center.

“It is Tom Conklin’s faith in the future we feel stirring in us as we gather here today to honor him,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Barry Grissom. “When we look at Tom’s life, we see the roots of our current prosperity and the source of that energy and commitment that he has passed down to us.”

U.S. Attorney Grissom was the guest of Kickapoo Tribal Chairman Steve Cadue, who joined Grissom in expressing the tribe’s gratitude to Conklin’s wife and family. Conklin joined the Kickapoo Tribal Police as a patrolman in April 1998. He was appointed police chief in May 2001, a position he held until his death in an auto accident in 2009. After the memorial ceremony, Grissom met with Cadue and other members of the Tribal Council to discuss ongoing law enforcement initiatives involving the partnership between the tribe and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Kansas.

Read More: http://www.justice.gov/usao/ks/

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CIVIL RIGHTS

Former White Mountain Apache Tribal Police Officer Pleads Guilty In Arizona To Civil Rights Violations (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

Former White Mountain Apache Tribal police officer, Glenn Cromwell, 35, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Phoenix to two counts of violating civil rights while acting under color of law for detaining, transporting and then abandoning two adult males in extreme weather conditions on different occurrences in December 2008. During the plea hearing, Cromwell admitted to violating the constitutional rights of two men by detaining and driving each, in separate incidents, to a remote location and then forcing the men out of the police vehicle and leaving them in the frigid cold. In both instances, Cromwell willfully exceeded and abused his authority under law. Sentencing for Cromwell is scheduled for Feb. 13, 2012. Cromwell faces a possible maximum sentence of one year in prison for each count.

Read more:www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/December/11-crt-1566.html

DRUG AND FIREARMS ENFORCEMENT

New Town, N.D., Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Nov. 28, 2011, Francene K. Azure, 32, of New Town, N.D., pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute marijuana and three charges of employment or use of person under 18 years of age in drug operations. From Sept. 2009 through June 2010 Azure took juveniles to a residence in

New Town to assist in the distribution of marijuana on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. The charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute marijuana carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000. Each count of employment or use of person under 18 years of age in drug operations carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2011/11-30-11-Francene%20Azure%20Plea.html

Marijuana Trafficker Sentenced to Six Years in Prison (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel announced that Cynthia Irene Granados, 33, of Phoenix, was sentenced to 71 months in prison for trafficking marijuana. Granados pleaded guilty on Sept. 8, 2011, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. On Oct. 28, 2010, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to pull over Granados’ vehicle near San Simon, Ariz. Granados failed to yield, and instead, led agents on a high-speed chase down a dirt road. After Granados ran into a dead end, she fled the area on foot, but agents were able to apprehend her and search the vehicle, which contained three burlap backpacks filled with 96 kilograms of marijuana. While on pretrial release, Granados attempted to evade authorities again when she absconded from a halfway house and fled to California. U.S. Marshals were able to apprehend her and return her to Tucson, where she was detained pending resolution of her case.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/PR_11302011_Granados.html

Navajo Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on Dec. 1, 2011, Kevin Bryson Brown, a 23-year-old Navajo man from Farmington, N.M., appeared in Federal District Court for sentencing on a single count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown received 30 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $300.00 fine. The charge stemmed from an offense which occurred on May 3, 2011, in the City of Riverton, Wyo., and involved officers from the Riverton Police Department and Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

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PUBLIC CORRUPTION

Isabel, S.D., Man Sentenced for Stealing from Four Bands (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Isabel, S.D., man charged with Larceny was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. Dennis Melvin Hopkins, 42, was sentenced to 8 days in custody, 6 months of supervised release, $1,000 in restitution to Four Bands Healing Center and a $25 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Hopkins was indicted for Larceny by a federal grand jury on June 22, 2011. The conviction was the result of an incident that occurred while Hopkins was employed by Four Bands Healing Center at Eagle Butte and was tasked with soliciting donations for the Center’s juvenile alcoholism prevention program. While soliciting donations, Hopkins picked up a donation of $1,000 from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, and instead of giving that check to his employer Four Bands Healing Center, Hopkins cashed the check and took the money for his own use. He pleaded guilty to a superseding information that charged him with Larceny of $1,000 on Aug. 30, 2011.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Hopkins.html

Northern Arapaho, Wyo., Man Sentenced for Embezzlement or Converting Monies from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds and Aiding and Abetting (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

United States Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on November 29, 2011, George Moss, a 65-year-old, former Northern Arapaho Department of Social Services Executive Director, from the Wind River Indian Reservation, appeared in Federal District Court for sentencing. Moss pleaded guilty to one count of embezzling or converting monies from an organization receiving federal funds and aiding and abetting. Moss received three years probation with the first six months to be served under house arrest and was ordered to pay a $2,500.00 fine. Based upon the request from the Northern Arapaho Business Council, the Court did not order restitution.

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VIOLENT CRIME PROSECUTION

Belcourt, N.D., Man Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U. S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Nov. 21, 2011, T.J. DeCoteau, 31, of Belcourt, N.D., was sentenced on a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. DeCoteau pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 24, 2011. DeCoteau was ordered to three years of supervised release, which includes up to one year at a residential reentry center. DeCoteau was ordered to pay restitution of $6,238.29 and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund. On Nov. 27, 2010, the victim and four other people were giving DeCoteau a ride

home from a bar in the Belcourt area. DeCoteau began hitting the victim in the head and face, which resulted in serious bodily injury to the victim.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2011/11-21-11-TJ%20DeCoteau%20Sentenced.html

Lower Brule, S.D., Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that John R. Estes, II, 35, of Lower Brule, S.D., appeared on November 22, 2011, and pleaded guilty to Count I of an indictment that charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison. Estes was initially charged by complaint in May 2011 and later indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2011. The charge stems from an incident in April whereby the defendant and the victim had an argument, during which time the defendant displayed a handgun, pointed the gun at the victim, threatened her with the handgun and threatened to kill her if she ever left him.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Estes.html

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Wilson Provencial, 23, of Rosebud appeared on Nov. 22, 2011, and pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The charge stems from an incident that took place on May 10, 2011, when Provencial gave the victim a ride from St. Francis to Rosebud. During the drive, Provencial parked his car and engaged in sexual contact with the victim. Provencial was aware that the victim was under the age of 16 at the time.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Provencial.html

Eagle Butte, S.D., Man Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte man charged with assault with a dangerous weapon was sentenced on Nov. 22, 2011. Marques High Elk, 31, was sentenced to 36 months in custody, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. The conviction resulted from an incident on April 16, 2011. High Elk and his ex-girlfriend went to a residence in Eagle Butte where they got into an argument. The argument became heated, and High Elk assaulted her with an upright vacuum cleaner, striking her in the head. As a result of the assault, High Elk's ex-girlfriend suffered serious injuries.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-High%20Elk.html

Navajo Man Sentenced to 13 Months for Federal Child Abuse Convictions (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Nathan Yesslith, a 26-year-old Navajo man who resides outside of Shiprock, N.M., was sentenced to 13 months in prison to be followed by a year of supervised release for his federal child abuse conviction. On Aug. 30, 2011, Yesslith pleaded guilty to placing his two-year old son in danger on Dec. 8, 2010, when he was driving while intoxicated on the Navajo Indian Reservation and crashed the vehicle in which his son was a passenger.

Navajo Man Pleads Guilty to Two Federal Assault Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Jon Erik Tom, 27, pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Tom will be sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In entering his guilty plea, Tom admitted assaulting the victim on September 3, 2011 by shooting him in the hip with a bolt action .22 caliber rifle. Tom also admitted that the assault took place in San Juan County, N.M., within the Navajo Indian Reservation. Tom, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides near Pueblo Pintado, N.M., has been in federal custody since his arrest on September 6, 2011, and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Navajo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse Offense (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that George Nez, 69, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Mexican Springs, N.M., pled guilty to abusive sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. Under the terms of his plea agreement, Nez will be sentenced to 18 months in prison to be followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by his sentencing judge. Nez also will be required to register as a sex offender. In entering his plea, Nez admitted sexually abusing a child between June 1, 2009 and September 1, 2009 at his residence in Mexican Springs, N.M., which is within the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Hogback, N.M., Man Sentenced to 121 Months Imprisonment for Federal Sexual Assault Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Amos Joe, a 61-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Hogback, N.M., was sentenced to 121 months in prison for his federal sexual assault conviction. Joe will be on supervised release for five years after he completes his prison sentence. He also will be required to register as a sex offender. Joe has been in federal custody since his arrest on Nov. 4, 2010 on an aggravated sexual assault charge. Joe entered a guilty plea to this offense on May 24, 2011. According to court records, on Nov. 2, 2010, Joe sexually assaulted a 60-year-old Navajo woman in his Hogback home, which is located within the boundaries of the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Macy, Neb., Woman Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injuries (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced that Nicole Payer, 32, of Macy, Neb., was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011, to 37 months in prison for her conviction of assault resulting in serious bodily injuries. In addition to her prison term, Payer will serve three years of supervised release following her release from prison. Payer was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $53,109.96. On Nov. 29, 2010, Payer was driving her sister and another person to Walthill, Neb., on the Omaha Indian Reservation when an argument ensued. Payer stopped the car and ordered her sister to get out of the car. As her sister and the other passenger were walking away, Payer came at them with her SUV, drove over a curb onto the sidewalk and struck her sister. As a result of this incident, Payer’s sister suffered serious injuries.

Ft. Thompson, S.D., Man Sentenced on Sexual Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson man charged with abusive sexual contact was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. Dakota Red Bear, aka “Cody Red Bear,” 25, was sentenced to 120 months in custody and five years of supervised release. Red Bear was indicted by a federal grand jury in Aug. 2011. He pleaded guilty to a superseding indictment in September 2011. The conviction stems from an incident in October 2010 when the minor victim was home alone one evening and the defendant used force to sexually abuse the victim.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Red%20Bear.html

Parmelee Woman Sentenced on Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Parmelee, S.D., woman charged with Assault With a Dangerous Weapon was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. Josie Kills Plenty, 30, was sentenced to 30 months in custody and 3 years of supervised release. The conviction stems from an incident on Feb. 10, 2011, when Kills Plenty and the victim were at a home in Parmelee, S.D., consuming alcohol. During the course of the evening, she became upset, grabbed a kitchen knife, and attempted to stab the victim in the neck. The victim put an arm up to block the knife and was stabbed in the right arm. Kills Plenty then called the police, told them what she had done and fled.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Kills%20Plenty.html

Lower Brule Man Sentenced on Domestic Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule man charged with domestic assault by a habitual offender was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. Charles Allen Grey Owl, aka “Raymond Keith Grey Owl,” 43, was sentenced to 84 months in custody and 3 years of supervised release. Grey Owl was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2011. In September 2011, he pleaded guilty to one count of the indictment. The conviction stems from the domestic assault upon the victim who was 21 weeks pregnant. The Defendant and the victim began to argue, the argument got heated and the defendant hit the victim in the face. The argument and assault continued, and the Defendant struck the victim several more times in the face and body. As a result of the assault, she suffered substantial bodily injury

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Grey%20Owl.html

Rosebud Man Sentenced on Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Rosebud man charged with assault resulting in substantial bodily injury was sentenced on Nov. 22, 2011. Dallas First In Trouble, 21, was sentenced to 12 months and one day custody, two years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment. First In Trouble was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2011. He pleaded guilty to count two of the indictment in Aug. 2011. The charge stems from an incident on Sept. 4, 2009, when a Rosebud Sioux tribal officer responded to a call that the victim had been assaulted by Dallas First In Trouble who was armed with a pistol. While en route, the tribal officer observed a male staggering on the shoulder of the road, approached the male and identified him as Dallas First In Trouble. At this point, another individual approached who identified himself as the victim and identified First In Trouble and another male as the individuals who assaulted him.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-First%20in%20Trouble.html

Lower Brule Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that John R. Estes, II, 35, of Lower Brule, appeared on Nov. 22, 2011, and pleaded guilty to count one of an indictment that charged him with assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison. The charge stems from an incident in April whereby the defendant and the victim had an argument, during which time the defendant displayed a handgun, pointed the gun at the victim, threatened her with the handgun, and threatened to kill her if she ever left him. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for Feb. 13, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Estes.html

Dupree, S.D., Man Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Person Incapable of Consent and Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Dupree, S.D., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for sexual abuse of a person incapable of consent and aggravated sexual abuse by force. Cody High Elk, 28, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 8, 2011. He appeared on Nov. 22, 2011, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Cody%20High%20Elk.html

Mission, S.D., Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, S.D., woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. Brandi Lynn Snow Fly, 29, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 8, 2011. She appeared on Nov. 23, 2011, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine or both.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Snow%20Fly.html

Mission, S.D., Man Pleads Not Guilty to Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, S.D., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. Jason James DeSersa, 18, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 8, 2011. He appeared Nov. 22, 2011, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in custody, a $250,000 fine or both.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-DeSersa.html

Wakpala, S.D., Man Indicted for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wakpala, S.D., man was indicted by a federal grand jury by superseding indictment for sexual abuse. Lyle Baker, 51, appeared on Nov. 23, 2011 and pleaded not guilty to the superseding indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. The charge relates to the suspect’s alleged abuse of an Eagle Butte woman in May 2011. The charge is merely an accusation, and Baker is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Baker.html

Red Lake, Minn., man sentenced to 150 months for assaulting a woman (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)

U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced that a 26-year-old Red Lake, Minn., man was sentenced for a felony assault near the Redby Post Office on April 29, 2010. Joseph Joshua Jackson was sentenced to 150 months in prison on one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence. Jackson was indicted on June 7, 2010, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 20, 2011. In his plea agreement, Jackson admitted that on April 29, he assaulted a woman by kicking her in the head and then shooting her in the abdomen. According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, Red Lake tribal police responded to a reported shooting and found the victim outside the Redby Post Office. The victim sustained injuries to the head as well as a gunshot wound. Jackson was arrested on May 3, 2010, and remains in custody.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mn/jacksonsentenced.html

Ft. Thompson, S.D., Man Sentenced on Failure to Register Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Ft. Thompson, S.D., man charged with failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. David George Flute, III, 21, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and five years of supervised release. Flute was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2011. On Sept. 7, 2011, he pleaded guilty to the indictment. Flute was previously convicted of a sex offense that required him to register as a sex offender. He signed paperwork acknowledging his duty to register as a sex offender on seven occasions. On May 6, 2011, Flute absconded and failed to change and update his sex offender registration as required.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-28-Flute.html

John George Enick Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on Nov. 29, 2011, John George Enick, a 23-year-old resident of Crow Agency and an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe of Indians, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for March 29, 2012. He is currently detained. On June 4, 2011, the victim was assaulted by Enick on the Crow Indian Reservation. The victim indicated that Enick, who was her boyfriend at the time, assaulted her after he became belligerent while he was drinking. Enick faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

Tokio, N.D., Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Nov. 28, 2011, Herbert Kevin Blueshield of Tokio, N.D., was sentenced to 18 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for failing to register as a sex offender. Blueshield, 46, pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2011, to failing to update his sex offender registry between April 17, 2011, and May 5, 2011. Blueshield had previously been convicted of sexual abuse of a child and on April 24, 2003, was sentenced and

ordered to register as a sex offender until Dec.23, 2035.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2011/11-29-11-Blueshield%20Sentenced.html

Manderson, S.D., man Guilty of Abusive Sexual Contact (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Manderson, S.D., man charged with abusive sexual contact was sentenced on Nov. 28, 2011. Leonard Chase Alone Jr., 31, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 victim assessment. Chase Alone was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 15, 2011. In February 2011, near Pine Ridge, Chase Alone engaged in sexual contact with a child under the age of 12. He pleaded guilty on Aug. 15, 2011.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Copy%20of%20RC-2011-11-30-Chase%20Alone.html

Zuni Pueblo Man Sentenced to 120 Months In Prison for Aggravated Child Sexual Abuse Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Epfriem Louis, 20, a member of Zuni Pueblo, was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment to be followed by a five years supervised release for sexually abusing a minor. Louis will be required to register as a sex offender when he completes his prison sentence. Louis initially was charged with sexually abusing a child who had not attained 12 years of age in a criminal complaint filed on July 19, 2010. According to the complaint, Louis committed the offense between Oct. 2009 and April 2010 within the boundaries of the Navajo Indian Reservation. Louis pleaded guilty to an information charging him with aggravated sexual abuse on Aug. 4, 2011. In his plea agreement, Louis admitted that, from Oct.1, 2009 through April 30, 2010, he sexually abused a female Navajo child.

Navajo Man Receives 18 Month Prison Sentence for Federal Assault Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Nathan Aaron Roanhorse, a 25-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Navajo, N.M., was sentenced to 18 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release for his conviction on an assault charge. Roanhorse also was ordered to pay $630 in restitution to the victim of his assault to cover the costs incurred by the victim to obtain medical care. Roanhorse was indicted on Dec. 1, 2010, and charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Roanhorse pleaded guilty to Count 2 of the indictment under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on June 24, 2011. In entering his guilty plea, Roanhorse admitted that, on July 9, 2010, he assaulted his uncle, a Navajo man, and that his uncle was seriously injured as a result of the assault. He also admitted that the assault occurred within the Navajo Indian Reservation.

St. Francis, S.D., Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Vernon Blackhorse, 61, of St. Francis, S.D., appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on Nov. 29, 2011, and pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. Vernon Blackhorse was convicted of incest and second degree rape in 1991. The court sentenced Blackhorse to 25 years in prison and ordered that he must register as a sex offender for life. Blackhorse was paroled and released on Oct. 2, 2000. In 2003, Blackhorse relocated to the Rosebud Reservation and did not register as a sex offender until Dec. 6, 2010. On Feb.11, 2011, Blackhorse moved from the residence and failed to register his new address within three days of moving. He also failed to register for the quarter of March 2011 as required by his status as a sex offender. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for Feb. 20, 2011.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-30-Blackhorse.html

Lower Brule Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Lower Brule man charged with assaulting a federal officer was sentenced on Nov. 29, 2011. Damon LaRoche, 36, was sentenced to 60 months in prison and three years of supervised release. LaRoche was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2011. He pleaded guilty to a superseding information in September 2011. The conviction stems from an incident on the July 4, 2011, when a law enforcement officer responded to call to remove LaRoche from a residence. When the officer attempted to rouse LaRoche to take him to another location, a physical struggle ensued and LaRoche bit the officer.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-30-LaRoche.html

Fort Thompson, S.D., Man Sentenced for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Fort Thompson, S.D., man charged with failure to register as a sex offender was sentenced on Nov. 29, 2011. St. John, 47, was sentenced to 10 months in prison, five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. The 10 months of custody is to be served concurrently with a 12 month sentence St. John received in April 2011 for violating supervised release. St. John was indicted for failure to register as a sex offender by a federal grand jury on April 12, 2011. He had previously been convicted in federal court for abusive sexual contact. After being released from custody, St. John was on supervised release for three years. During that time, St. John absconded from Glory House in Sioux Falls, S.D., on Feb. 12, 2010, and failed to update his sex offender registration to reflect any places of residence or employment. He was arrested on March 30, 2010, by Bureau of Indian Affairs officers in Fort Thompson. He pleaded guilty to the indictment on Sept. 7, 2011.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2011-11-30-St.%20John.html

Pine Hill, S.D., Man Sentenced for Federal Child Sexual Abuse Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Brianjun Begay, 23, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Pine Hill, N.M., was sentenced to 37 months in prison for his conviction for his conviction for sexually abusing a minor. Begay will be on supervised release for three years after he completes his sentencing. He also will be required to register as a sex offender. Begay was charged in an indictment on May 11, 2011, with sexual abusive contact. On June 6, 2011, Begay was arrested and has been in federal custody since his arrest. On July 14, 2011, Begay pleaded guilty to the charges in the indictment.

Sells, Ariz., Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

Acting U.S. Attorney Ann Birmingham Scheel announced that Nolan Steven Bautista, 21, of Sells, Ariz., was sentenced yesterday to 10 years imprisonment and three years of supervised release. Bautista, a member of the Tohono O’odham Indian Nation, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2011, to aggravated sexual abuse with use of force. According to the indictment, on Feb. 25, 2009, Bautista committed burglary of a residential structure on the Indian reservation and then sexually assaulted the victim. He engaged in a sexual act by the use of force and by threatening and placing her in fear of death or serious bodily injury when he displayed a knife.

Man Sentenced for Home Invasion on Indian Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan)

U.S Attorney Barbara L. McQuad announced that a 32-year-old resident of Saginaw, Mich., was sentenced to 96 months in prison followed by 6 years of supervised release, after having pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2011 to home invasion in the 1st degree and distribution of crack cocaine from an unrelated incident. McQuade was joined in the announcement by FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena. In January 2011, Joshua Houser kicked in the front door of the home of a Saginaw Chippewa Tribal member which was located on the Isabella Reservation in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. While inside, Houser assaulted a resident of the home.