TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS - June 25, 2012

AWARDS AND CERTIFICATOINS

U.S. Attorney’s Excellence Award Presented to Ken Trotter, Jr., Supervisory Criminal Investigator with the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced on June 20, 2012, that Ken Trottier Jr., Supervisory Criminal Investigator with the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law & Justice, was presented with the U.S. Attorney’s Excellence Award.

The Excellence Award is given to law enforcement agents who consistently exhibit the highest degree of professionalism and commitment to their work, serve as the primary or instrumental investigator in a major case, receive the recognition and respect of their fellow agents, and whose investigations demonstrate integrity, candor, fairness and reliability.

Originally from Poplar, Trottier served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four and a half years before returning to the Fort Peck Indian Reservation where he was a Bureau of Indian Affairs Police Officer for approximately five-and-a-half years. In 1996 he became a Criminal Investigator for the Fort Peck Tribes, and was promoted to Supervisory Criminal Investigator in 2008. July 2012 marks 21 years in law enforcement for Trottier.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120620094533.html

Oneida Nation Police Department and Saint Regis Mohawk Police Officers Awarded Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal Officer Certifications (U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York)

U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York Richard S. Hartunian announced on June 15, 2012, that16 Oneida Nation and six additional Saint Regis Mohawk Police Officers have earned and received Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) special federal law enforcement commission certifications which delegate BIA authority to enforce federal criminal statutes in certain circumstances within their jurisdictions.

This brings to a total of 34 Oneida Nation police officers and 15 Saint Regis Mohawk police officers who are certified by the BIA to perform federal law enforcement functions and refer cases directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for federal prosecution. Saint Regis Mohawk Police Officers also have New York State peace officer status and jurisdiction on their reservation through New York and federal law. The BIA certifications last for five years.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nyn/news/news-2012.html#1671

DRUG ENFORCEMENT AND BOOTLEGGING

Indictments Target Graysharbor County Drug Smuggling Organization Tied to Cedar Mill (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington)

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington Jenny A. Durkan announced on June 14, 2012, that federal agents arrested seven people for a meth distribution ring operating on state and tribal land.

Jose Naur Sanchez, the leader of the drug smuggling organization, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Israel Magana Espinoza and Cristian Calles are charged by indictment with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If convicted the men face a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison and up to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. To date, federal agents have arrested 17 persons tied to this drug cartel.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/waw/press/2012/Jun./sanchez.html

ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

William Esley Hugs Sr. 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 13, 2012, that William Esley Hugs Sr. was sentenced to 18 months in prison and a $100 special assessment because of his guilty plea to conspiracy to traffic in eagles and migratory birds.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120613144625.html

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

The U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced on June 13, 2012, that the following individual was arraigned: Joseph Pretty On Top charged with theft by employee of an Indian gaming establishment. If convicted of this charge, Pretty On Top faces possible penalties of 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine and three years supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120613134206.html

VIOLENT CRIME

Lybrook, N.M., Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Assault Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on June 22, 2012, that Abram C. Castillo was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release for assault resulting in serious bodily injury charge. He was also ordered to pay $128,759.16 in restitution, including $125,431.14 to the San Juan Regional Medical Center to cover the victim's medical costs, and $2,543.75 to cover the victim's lost wages.

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

Richard Walker Cummins V 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 22, 2012, that Richard Walker Cummins (member of the Crow Tribe) was sentenced to a term of: 14 months in prison, $100 special assessment and five years supervised release for abusive sexual contact.

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

Raymond Limpy Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana announced on June 22, 2012, that Raymond Limpy (member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe) was sentenced to a term of: 40 months in prison, $100 special assessment and seven years supervised release for sexual abuse of a minor.

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

Belcourt Man Pleads Guilty to Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota Timothy Q. Purdon announced on June 22, 2012, that Garrick L. Martin pleaded guilty to a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Martin has been scheduled for Sept. 21, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/06-22-12-Martin%20Plea.html

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

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 19, 2012, that Clayton Paul High Pipe Jr. was charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He was sentenced to 63 months in custody, three years of supervised release, $756.31 restitution, and a $100 assessment.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-19-High%20Pipe.html

Oglala Man Sentenced for Sexual Contact (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 19, 2012, that Christopher Lone Elk was charged with abusive sexual contact and was sentenced to 120 months' in prison and five years' supervised release and ordered to pay $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-19-Lone%20Elk.html

Whiteriver Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor (U.S. Attorney Office for the district of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 19, 2012, that Akeem Ozzy Johnson was sentenced to nine years in federal prison after pleading guilty to abusive contact with a minor. Johnson will be placed on lifetime supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06192012_Johnson.html

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 19, 2012, that Loren Dog Eyes pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years' in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years supervised release and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund. The sentencing date was set for Sept. 24, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-19-Dog%20Eyes.html

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

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 19, 2012, that Albert Marwin Cook (a member of the Hualapai Tribe) pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. A conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Cook is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 9, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06192012_Cook.html

Navajo Man Sentenced to 30 Year Federal Prison Term for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of Three Minors (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 18, 2012, that Shonnie Shidale George was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison. George was also sentenced to a lifetime term of supervised release and was ordered to register as a sex offender. George was found guilty of four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06192012_George.html

Vincent Matthew Fortin 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 on June 18, 2012, Vincent Matthew Fortin was sentenced to a term of 41 months in prison, a $100 special assessment, and three years supervised release after pleading guilty to domestic abuse by a habitual offender.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120619150238.html

St. Francis 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 on June 18, 2012, that Anthony Little Hoop pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release for life and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-18-Little%20Hoop.html

Whiteriver Woman Sentenced to 15 Years in federal Prison for Killing Boyfriend (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U. S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 18, 2012, that Sutero Anessa Quintero was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Quintero pleaded guilty on March 12, 2012, to voluntary manslaughter.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06182012_Quintero.html

Wanblee Man Pleads Guilty to Kidnapping (U.S Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 15, 2012, that Jerett Jakeway pleaded guilty to kidnapping, aiding and abetting. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release and a special assessment of $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-15-Jakeway.html

Woman Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming Christopher A. Crofts announced that on June 15, 2012, Michelle Crispin (a Northern Arapaho tribal member) was sentenced to 24 months in prison, three years of supervised release, $100 in court costs and $8,202.52 in restitution on the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/news/2012/06Jun./12-037_Jun.19.html

Impaired Driver Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Death of Passenger (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 14, 2012, that Sunshine Marie Blackowl (member of the Tohono O’odham Nation) was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for pleading guilty to involuntary vehicular manslaughter.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06142012_Blackowl.html

Honduran Man Indicted for Sexual Offenses Involving a Second Native Victim (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona Ann Birmingham Scheel announced on June 13, 2012, that a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Hernan Ramirez-Orteja for three counts of abusive sexual contact. A conviction for abusive sexual contact carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_06132012_Ramirez-Orteja.html

Wounded Knee Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse (U.S Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U. S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota Brendan V. Johnson announced on June 13, 2012, that Clayton Dale Jealous of Him was charged with sexual abuse of a minor was sentenced to 24 months' in prison, five years' supervised release, and was ordered to pay $100 to the victim assessment fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-06-13-Jealous%20of%20Him.html

Terra Lee Brandy Running Crane Found Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Michael W. Cotter announced that on June 12, 2012, Terra Lee Brandy Running Crane (a member of the Blackfeet Tribe) was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Running Crane faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/pressreleases/20120613154026.html