Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)

TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS - July 24, 2012

CURRENT NEWS FROM INDIAN COUNTRY

St. Michael Man Arrested on First-Degree Murder Charges in Deaths of Two Children on Spirit Lake Reservation (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 23, 2012 that Valentino James Bagola had been arrested and charged with the May 2011 killings of Destiny Jane Shaw and Travis Lee DuBois, Jr. and faces four counts of First-Degree Murder in connection with the deaths of the two children. The maximum penalty for all charges is life imprisonment.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/news.html

Navajo Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Murder of Navajo Nation Police Sergeant (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced on July 23, 2012 that Victor Bigman had been charged with first degree murder for the killing of Navajo Nation Police Sergeant Darrell Curley, for which Bigman pleaded guilty to second degree murder. Bigman was then sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/news.html

Federal jury finds Red Lake man guilty of sexually abusing children (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)

U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced that today in federal court, a jury found a 60-year-old Red Lake man guilty of sexually abusing two female children. Following a four-day trial, the jury convicted Dean Earl Wilkens on four counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12. Wilkens remains in custody pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.

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

Murder charges added in Native Mob case (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)

U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced that a federal superseding indictment filed late last week in the Native Mob case charges a previously named defendant with murder. Shawn Michael Martinez, also known as Tinez, is now charged with one count of murder resulting from the use and carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, one count of murder in aid of racketeering, one count of retaliation against a witness by murder, and one count of witness tampering by murder. He was earlier charged with conspiracy to participate in racketeering, several drug and gun charges, and witness tampering.

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

PREVENTION AND RECOVERY NEWSLETTER

Read “Prevention and Recovery” http://www.samhsa.gov/tloa/docs/newsletter/prevention-recovery-summer2012.pdf, a newsletter with information about grant programs, tribal programs, and policy initiatives designed to address alcohol and substance abuse in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The newsletter is the product of a multi-agency collaboration by the Departments of Justice, the Interior and Health and Human Services. The newsletters and more information about this evolving collaboration are available at http://www.samhsa.gov/tloa/.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION

Rosebud Woman Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 13, 2012 that Barbara Duysak pleaded guilty to theft from an Indian tribal organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. Her sentencing date was set for Oct. 1, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-13-Duysak.html

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Theft from Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 13, 2012 that Nathan Janis pleaded guilty to theft from an Indian tribal organization. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date was set for Oct. 1, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-13-Janis.html

Three Members of the Spirit Lake Tribe Sentenced for Embezzlement (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 12, 2012 that Bruce Walking Eagle, Rochelle Walking Eagle, and Lorna Walking Eagle were each sentenced on a charge of embezzlement from an Indian tribal organization. All three Walking Eagles pleaded guilty to illegally accepting benefits from the Spirit Lake Vocational Rehabilitation Program when they were not entitled to receive such benefits. They were each sentenced to two years probation and to pay a $25 special assessment to the Crime Victim's Fund. The defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the following amounts: Bruce Walking Eagle, $7,435.18; Rochelle Walking Eagle, $2,000; and Lorna Walking Eagle, $6,588.25.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/07-12-12-Walking%20Eagle%20Sentenced.html

Former Ho-Chunk Nation Legislator Sentenced in Bribery Case to Five Years in Federal Prison (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin)

U.S. Attorney John W. Vaudreuil announced on July 11, 2012 that Clarence Pettibone was sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in a bribery scheme involving contracts awarded by the Ho-Chunk Nation. The bribery scheme ran from 2002 to 2009, generating $3 million from Ho-Chunk Nation client funds.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/wiw/press/2012/July%2011,%202012%20-%20Former%20Ho-Chunk%20Nation%20Legislator%20Sentenced%20in%20Bribery%20Case.html

CIVIL RIGHTS

Former Shiprock Detention Office Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights Violations of Inmate (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 12, 2012 that Sylvester Bruce pleaded guilty to the sexual abuse of an inmate. Specifically, Bruce pled guilty to one count of violating the civil rights of the victim when he touched her breasts against her will. Bruce also pled guilty to making material false statements to the FBI when he denied taking pictures of inmates inside the cells of the Shiprock Detention Center. Bruce was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. Bruce also will not be able to serve in a law enforcement capacity again, and will submit to federal and state sex offender registration requirements.

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

DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Drug User in Possession of Firearm (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 13, 2012 that David Kills In Water pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged him with drug user in possession of a firearm. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in custody, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date is set for October 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-13-Kills%20in%20Water.html

Colorado River Indian Tribe Methamphetamine Trafficker Pleads Guilty (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced on July 12, 2012 that Rhesa Briann Cuadras pleaded guilty to one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Cuadras was originally charged with four counts of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. A conviction for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison, a $2 million fine or both. A conviction also carries a minimum term of five years in prison. Sentencing is set for Oct. 15, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_07122012_Cuadras.html

OTHER VIOLENT CRIME CASES

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

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 19, 2012 that Ervin Daniel Addison was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon. He was then sentenced to 29 months in custody, two years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-19-Addison.html

Upper Fruitland Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Involuntary Manslaughter and Abusive Sexual Contact Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 17, 2012 that Lamuel Thomas pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and abusive sexual contact charges. Thomas was sentenced to eight years in prison for the involuntary manslaughter offense to run consecutive to a three year term in prison for the abusive sexual contact offense, for a total prison sentence of eleven years. The court will determine the period of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. Thomas will also be required to register as a sex offender.

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

Rosebud Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 17, 2012 that Adam Bordeaux was charged with domestic assault by a habitual offender. He was sentenced to 30 months in custody, two years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-17-Bordeaux.html

Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Child Sex Abuse Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 17, 2012 that Samuel Jackson pleaded guilty to information charging him with abusive sexual contact under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The plea agreement requires that Jackson serve a 16 year prison sentence to be followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the Court. Jackson will also have to register as a sex offender.

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

Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assaulting Federal Officers (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced on July 17, 2012 that Russell James Ute was sentenced for assaulting three federal law enforcement officers. He was sentenced to 10 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Ute will be mentally evaluated, and was ordered to follow the recommendations of the evaluation. Ute was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment and restitution for the officers’ injuries in an amount to be determined within 30 days of sentencing.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/

Ramah Navajo Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Assault Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 17, 2012 that Kerley K. Biggs was convicted for an assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 46 month in prison and three years supervised release.

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

Navajo Man Convicted of Aggravated Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced on July 16, 2012 that Wilson Tsosie was found guilty of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse. A conviction for aggravated sexual abuse carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing is set for Oct. 15, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_07162012_Tsosie.html

Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Murder (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 13, 2012 that Kyle C. Yankton was indicted for first degree murder and burglary and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-07-13-Yankton.html

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

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 12, 2012 that Randall Carl Little Thunder pleaded guilty to sexual abuse. The maximum penalty upon conviction is life in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date is set for Oct. 1, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-12-Little%20Thunder.html

St. Francis 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 on July 12, 2012 that Ennors Abraham Quick Bear pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date is set for Sept. 23, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-12-Quick%20Bear.html

Mescalero Man to Serve Fourteen Years in Prison for Child Sexual Abuse Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 11, 2012 that Wyatt Michael Lee Pebeashy was convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor. He was then sentenced to 168 months in prison, 10 years supervised release, and he will be required to register as a sex offender.

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

White Shield Man Pleads Guilty to Three Counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 11, 2012 that Eric P. Yellow Bird pleaded guilty to three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Each charge of assault with a dangerous weapon carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing has been scheduled for Oct. 12, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/07-11-12-Yellow%20Bird%20Plea.html

Fort Yates Man Pleads Guilty to Assaults (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 10, 2012 that Tarrell Little Bear pleaded guilty to charges of domestic assault by a habitual offender and assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge of domestic assault by a habitual offender carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 12, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/

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

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 10, 2012 that Keesha Ewing pleaded guilty to Count II of the indictment that charged her with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. Her sentencing date was set for Sept. 25, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-10-Ewing.html

Eugene Delbert Wells Jr. Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on July 10, 2012 that Eugene Delbert Wells Jr. pleaded guilty to domestic assault by a habitual offender. He was then sentenced to a term of 37 months in prison, $100 special assessment and three years supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/index.html

Thomas Charles Marc Heavy Runner Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on July 10, 2012 that Thomas Charles Marc Heavy Runner was sentenced to 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release for accessory after the fact to the crime of murder.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/index.html

Mark Saint Storm Heavy Runner Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on July 10, 2012 that Mark Saint Storm Heavy Runner was sentenced to 210 months in prison and five years supervised release for pleading guilty to first and second degree murder.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/index.html

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

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 9, 2012 that Dustin L. Spears pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing has been scheduled for Sept. 21, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/07-09-12-Spears%20Plea.html

Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)

U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced on July 9, 2012 that Darolin Lee Surrell was sentenced for assaulting a federal law enforcement officer on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Darolin Surrell was sentenced to 18 months in prison, two years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/news/2012/07july/12-041_july09.html

Winner Man Pleads Guilty to Failure to Register and Failure to Pay Child Support (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 10, 2012 that Burton W. King pleaded guilty to a superseding information that charged him with failure to pay legal child support obligations. The maximum penalty upon conviction is six months in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both, and restitution. King also pleaded guilty to an indictment in an additional case charging him with failure to register as a sex offender. The maximum penalty upon this conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date was set for Sept. 12, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-10-King.html

ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME

Matthew Whitegrass and Benjamin Yellow Owl Plead Guilty and Sentenced in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on July 11, 2012 that Matthew Whitegrass and Benjamin Yellow Owl pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act. They were each sentenced to two years in prison, $25 special assessment, $3,500 restitution and firearms forfeiture.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/mt/index.html

 

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