TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS - June 14, 2012

Deputy Attorney General James Cole Delivers Remarks at the 2012 Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium

Deputy Attorney General James Cole delivered remarks on Tuesday, June 13, 2012, on the department’s efforts to bolster public safety and criminal justice in Indian country, as well as to strengthen the government-to-government relationship between the United States and federally-recognized Indian tribes, at the annual Sovereignty Symposium in Oklahoma City.

The complete text of Deputy Attorney General Cole’s remarks is available at http://www.justice.gov/iso/opa/dag/speeches/2012/dag-speech-120612.html.

PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES IN INDIAN COUNTRY

Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West and U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter Announce Pilot Initiative to Address Sexual Assault on Montana Reservations

On Jun. 6, 2012, Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West joined U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter and Vice-Chairman of the Crow Nation Calvin Coolidge Jefferson to announce a multi-agency collaboration with tribal governments to establish sexual assault response teams (SARTs) in the six Montana reservations under federal jurisdiction.

The SART initiative in Montana is a pilot initiative stemming from the Justice Department’s commitment to build safe and healthy communities in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Teams will be established on the six reservations under federal jurisdiction within the next six months. The teams will meet monthly to address incidences of sexual assault that arise on each reservation and determine the best way to address each one. The SART team will exist to provide culturally appropriate, timely, coordinated and thorough care to victims of sexual assault.

“Sexual violence against native women is one of the most devastating threats to native communities,” said Acting Associate Attorney General West. “It’s also an underreported crime. We hope this effort to establish SART teams in each Montana reservation will bring the kind of help, healing and justice to victims of sexual violence that will also strengthen the faith and confidence that native women have in their criminal justice system.”

“I commend the efforts of those who have worked to develop a culturally appropriate sexual assault response team, or SART, that meets the unique needs of the Crow people,” said Crow Tribe Vice-Chairman Jefferson. “My hope is that with a formalized SART on the Crow Reservation, our mothers and sisters will have access to justice and to recovery from being victims of these types of deplorable crimes. I want to encourage victims, survivors and their family members to come forward, to offer support to each other in the pursuit of justice and healing.”

“Together we can provide compassionate and innovative care to sexual assault survivors,” said U.S. Attorney Cotter. “I challenge the SARTs to not merely be reactive but also consider ways to intervene before the sexual assault occurs – through education and outreach. I am hopeful that the presence of SARTs on Montana reservations will provide another tool to improve intervention and care for sexual assault victims.”

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/Jun./12-asg-721.html

Read a blog post by Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West on his visit to Montana Indian country at http://blogs.justice.gov/main/.

Office on Violence against Women Announces Agreement to Cross-Designate Tribal Prosecutors in Nebraska, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota (U.S. Department of Justice)

The Justice Department’s Office announced June 5, 2012, that four tribes in Nebraska, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota will be awarded cooperative agreements to cross-designate tribal prosecutors to pursue violence against women cases in both tribal and federal courts.

The goal of the Tribal Special U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) program is to train eligible tribal prosecutors in federal law, procedure and investigative techniques to increase the likelihood that every viable criminal offense is prosecuted in tribal court, federal court or both. The program enables tribal prosecutors to bring violence against women cases in federal court and to serve as co-counsel with federal prosecutors on felony investigations and prosecutions of offenses arising out of their respective tribal communities.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/Jun./12-ovw-715.html

PUBLIC CORRUPTION

Former President of Tonkawa Tribe Pleads Guilty to Tribal Embezzlement Conspiracy (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma)

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma Sanford C. Coats announced that Anthony E. Street pleaded guilty to conspiracy to embezzle funds from the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma on Jun. 4, 2012.

Street was the elected President of the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma from April 2005 until April 2008. On Oct. 18, 2011, a federal grand jury indicted Street for conspiring with Warrior and Pappan to embezzle money from the Tribe from 2005 through 2008. The indictment alleged that Street, Warrior and Pappan together embezzled more than $500,000 from the Tribe’s General Fund by issuing themselves more than 300 checks while in office. The indictment also charged Street with 16 counts of tribal embezzlement for checks issued to him from the General Fund.

At sentencing, Street faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine for the conspiracy count. As part of a plea agreement, Street agreed to pay restitution to the Tribe for the embezzled funds. Also, as part of the plea agreement, the government agreed to dismiss the remaining counts of tribal embezzlement. Sentencing for Street is set for Sep. 5, 2012. Warrior and Pappan have previously pleaded guilty in federal court in separate cases to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars in casino proceeds from the Tribe for their personal use. Warrior and Pappan are awaiting sentencing on Jun. 20, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/okw/news/2012/2012_06_04.html

Crownpoint, N.M. Woman Pleads Guilty to Embezzlement and Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization (U.S Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

On Jun. 5, 2012, U.S Attorney, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced that Shavna Apr. Bebo pleaded guilty to an indictment charging her with embezzlement and theft from an Indian tribal organization under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Bebo faces a maximum penalty of five years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and restitution. Her sentencing hearing is not yet to be scheduled. U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales said that Bebo pleaded guilty to embezzling $38,998.37 from Littlewater Chapter House of the Navajo Nation.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html

VIOLENT CRIME

Federal Court Arraignment (U.S. Attorney Office for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced that on Jun. 8, 2012, that Arthur Dion Longee was arraigned after appearing on a charge of sexual abuse of a minor. If convicted he faces possible penalties of fifteen years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Hualapaination Tribal Members Plead Guilty to Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Ann Birmingham Scheel, announced on Jun. 7, 2012 that Eva A. Vaughn pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. On Jun. 6, 2012, her co-defendant, Leeshana Tyzell Matuck, 22, also pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Vaughn, Matuck, and co-defendant Lodema Maylene Mahone, 26, of Peach Springs, Ariz., were all indicted on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and kidnapping. According to the plea agreements, the three women assaulted the victim by punching, kicking, and striking her with an object. As a result of the assault, the victim sustained serious bodily injuries, including severe swelling and bruising, and injuries to her head, face, and body. Convictions could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. Vaughn and Matuck are scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 5 and Sept. 17, 2012, respectively.

Standing Rock Tribal Council Member Convicted by Federal Jury in South Dakota of Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced on June 7, 2012, that Kerby St. John (Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council Member) was found guilty of domestic assault by a habitual offender. The jury’s guilty verdict is believed to be one of the first in the nation involving a new federal statute that punishes acts of domestic violence where an accused person has two prior convictions of domestic violence in federal, state or tribal court. St. John was previously convicted twice of domestic assault against an intimate partner in Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court. St. John was released on bond pending his sentencing, which is scheduled for Sept. 10, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-06-St.%20John.html

St. Francis Man Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced that James Leon Big Crow was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and aiding and abetting was sentenced on June 5, 2012, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange. He was sentenced to 12 months and one day in custody, one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-06-Big%20Crow.html

Eagle Butte Man Sentenced for Assaulting Man with Tire Iron (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 6, 2012, that Curtis Grant Thompson Jr. was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon was sentenced on Jun. 5, 2012, to 33 months in custody, two years of supervised release, $115 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-06-Thompson.html

Colorado Indian Tribal Member Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison in Shaken Baby Case (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, Ann Birmingham Scheel, announced on June 7, 2012 that Jerrod Darrell (a member of the Colorado River Indian Tribes) was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Aspa pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a child under eighteen.

Jerry Harold Middle Rider Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced on June 7, 2012, that Jerry Harold Middle Rider was sentenced to a term of 37 months in prison, $100 special assessment and three years of supervised release. He was found guilty of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Middle Rider will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Federal Court Arraignments (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced on Jun. 7, 2012, that the following individuals were arraigned:

Damien James Backer charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

David Joseph Sanders charged with the distribution of Oxycodone. He faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $1million fine and three years supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Shaneal Bull Child Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced that Shaneal Bull Child (member of the Blackfeet Tribe) was found guilty on June 4, 2012 and sentenced to a term of 44 months in prison, with a $100 special assessment and three years of supervised release because she was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon. Bull Child will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Thomas Ray Crossguns Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced that Thomas Ray Crossguns (member of the Blackfeet Tribe) was found guilty on June 4, 2012, and sentenced to 27 months in prison, a $100 special assessment and three years of supervised release. Crossguns was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Crossguns will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury (U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi)

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Gregory K. Davis, announced that on June 5, 2012, Michael Jackson pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The offense occurred within the boundaries of the Tribal Lands of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Jackson will be sentenced on Aug. 12, 2012, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mss/news.html#jun2012

Little Eagle Woman Sentenced for Child Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the South District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jackie Little Dog, aka Audrey Jacqueline Little Dog, aka Audrey Jacqueline Bobtail Bear was charged with child abuse and was sentenced on June 5, 2012, to 30 months in custody with credit for time served, two years of supervised release, and a $100 assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/SF-2012-06-06-Little%20Dog.html

Rosebud Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Sexual Abuse of Child (U.S. Attorney for the district of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson announced that Gilbert Oliver Crow Eagle was sentenced on June 4, 2012, to 16 years in prison, 5 years of supervised release, and a $400 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund for aggravated sexual abuse of a child and abusive sexual contact with a child, was sentenced

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-06-Crow%20Eagle.html

Little Eagle Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson, announced that Grady Laine Uses Arrow on June 4, 2012, pleaded guilty to the charge of sexual abuse with a person incapable of consenting. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both; up to life of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for Sep. 10, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-06-Uses%20Arrow.html

Rock Spring, N.M., Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sexual Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth, J. Gonzales, announced on June 6, 2012, that Karl Domingo (member of the Navajo Nation) pleaded guilty to information charging him with abusive sexual contact. At sentencing, Domingo faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. Domingo also will be required to register as a sex offender. Domingo remains on conditions of release that were imposed after he was arrested in July 2011 pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html

Macy Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska Deborah R. Gilg announced that on June 7, 2012, Leland Parker Jr. was sentenced on his conviction for abusive sexual contact with a minor. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Parker will also be required to serve 10 years of supervised release after his release from prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/ne/press_releases/jun/060712_macy%20man.html

Two Navajo Men Sentenced to Prison Based on Voluntary Manslaughter Convictions (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney from the District of New Mexico Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that on June 5, 2012, Brian Thompson and Presley Shorty (Navajo men) were given prison sentences based on convictions arising out of the death of two men. Thompson was sentenced to 190 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release based on his May 12, 2011, guilty plea to a three-count information charging him with (1) voluntary manslaughter; (2) use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence; and (3) assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Shorty was sentenced to 63 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release based on his May 12, 2011, guilty plea to information charging him with voluntary manslaughter. The two men also were ordered to pay $4,380 in restitution to cover funeral and medical costs of the victims.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html

Macy Woman Sentenced For Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska Deborah R. Gilg announced that on June 4, 2012, Olivia Saunsoci was sentenced to one year in prison and one day for her conviction for assault with a dangerous weapon. Saunsoci was further ordered to serve three years on supervised release following her release from prison.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/ne/news.html#may12

Macy Man Sentenced For Assaulting a Tribal Police Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska Deborah R. Gilg announced on June 5, 2012, that Conrad Lyon was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Omaha for assaulting a federal officer on the Omaha Indian Reservation. He was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. After his release from prison Lyons will begin a three year term of supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/ne/news.html#may12

Zuni Pueblo Woman Receives Three Months Prison Sentence for Aggravated Assault Convictions (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on June 5, 2012, that Nita Nastacio was sentenced to three months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release for her aggravated assault conviction. Nastacio also was ordered to pay $8247 in restitution to the Indian Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to cover the victim’s medical costs.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html

Bismarck Man Sentenced for Stealing Vehicle from Driveway (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 5, 2012, that Tyrell Running Bear was charged with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle and was sentenced to 12 months in prison, two years of supervised release, $1,284.17 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06082012_Matuck&Vaughn.html

Eagle Butte Woman Sentenced for Assaulting, Resisting or Impeding Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 5, 2012, that Pamela Dawn Garreau (an Eagle Butte woman) was charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer and was sentenced to 22 months in custody, three months of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-05-Garreau.html

Redby Woman Sentenced for Being an Accessory to Violent Red Lake crime (U.S. Attorney for the District Minnesota)

U.S Attorney for the District of Minnesota B. Todd Jones announced that Jerilee Jane Head was

sentenced on May 30, 2012, for attempting to hide a suspect from federal agents. She was sentenced to 24 months in prison on one count of being an accessory after the fact.

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

Zachary Stanley Knows His Gun Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

The U.S. Attorney from the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announce that Zachary Stanley Knows His Gun pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon on May 30, 2012, and his sentencing has been set for Aug. 29, 2012. Knows His Gun faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Whitehorse, N.M, Man Pleads Guilty to a Federal Robbery and Assault Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Kenneth J. Gonzales, announced on May 30, 2012, that Robert Billy Castillo (an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation) pleaded guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, Castillo faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each offense.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/index.html

Red Lake man pleads guilty to assaulting a man with an axe handle (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota B. Todd Jones announced on May 29, 2012, that Red Lake man Joseph William Howard, Jr., pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. For his crime, Howard faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

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

Perry Nation Found Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced that on May 16, 2012, Perry Nation, an enrolled member on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse. Sentencing is set for Aug. 23, 2012. Nation faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release for each conviction.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120517125334.html

Tokio Man Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse and Neglect Fargo (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on June 1, 2012, Allen Herbert Demarce Sr. pleaded guilty to a charge of child abuse and neglect in Indian Country. Sentencing for Demarce Sr. has been scheduled for Aug. 27, 2012, in U.S. District Court in Fargo, N.D.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-01-12-Demarce%20Sr%20Pleads%20Guilty.html

Pascua Yaquiman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse with the use of Force (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on May 29, 2012, that Leandro Jesus Flores was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and will be on supervised release for five years and must register as a sex offender. Flores pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual abuse with the use of force on June 22, 2011.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_05302012_Flores.html

Wyoming Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming, Christopher A. Crofts, announced that on May 29, 2012, Perry Verdell Gould (a Northern Arapaho Tribal Member) was sentenced for sexually abusing two minor victims. Gould was sentenced to 300 months in prison, lifetime of supervised release, and a $200 special assessment.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/news.html#jun2012

DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced that Andrea Ruth Barrera pleaded guilty on June 7, 2012, to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in prison and/or a $1 million fine.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-11-Barrera.html

Nalayna Rose Bullinsight Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced that Nalayna Rose Bullinsight was found guilty on May 30, 2012, and was sentenced to a term of 72 months in prison, a $100 special assessment and five years of supervised. Bullinsight was sentenced in connection with her guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Bulloinsight will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/last20.html

Adrian Frank Nault Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana, Michael W. Cotter, announced that Adrian Frank Nault pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine on May 15, 2012. Sentencing has been set for Aug. 20, 2012. The government would have proven that at least 350 grams of methamphetamine fell within the scope of Nault’s participation in this conspiracy. Nault faces possible penalties of a mandatory minimum of five years and could be sentenced to 40 years, a $4,000,000 fine, and four years of supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120516094430.html

Operation Prairie Thunder Results in Drug Trafficking Charges against 17 on Standing Rock Sioux Reservation (U.S. Attorneys for the Districts of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota Timothy Q. Purdon announced on June 5, 2012, that a total of 17 defendants have been arrested and charged with drug trafficking offenses in federal court in North Dakota and South Dakota and in Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Court as a result of “Operation Prairie Thunder” a 14-month-long investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services on the Standing Rock Reservation.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-05-12-Operation%20Prairie%20Thunder.html

Major Federal Gang and Drug Operation Yields Multiple Arrests on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

A federal grand jury has indicted 19 individuals, 18 of whom have now been arrested, following an intensive gang and drug enforcement operation on the Ft. Apache Indian Reservation. Charges filed in this investigation include drug trafficking and firearms violations, as well as charges stemming from a gang-related assault.

Convictions for the drug distribution charges alleged carry maximum penalties ranging from 5 years to life in prison, and maximum fines ranging from $250,000 to $10 million. Convictions for the firearms violations carry a maximum penalty of life in prison and maximum fines of $250,000. Convictions for the assault charges carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and maximum fines of $250,000.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_05312012_Ft._Apache.html

Kyle Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Controlled Substances and Intoxicants in Indian Country (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney from the District of South Dakota, Brendan V. Johnson announced that on May 23, 2012, Bernie Montileaux pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged him with simple possession of a controlled substance and intoxicants possession unlawfully in Indian Country. The maximum penalty upon conviction is one year in custody and/or a $100,000 fine for each charge.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-05-29-Montileaux.html