TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS - August 3, 2012

TRIBAL JUSTICE NEWS - August 3, 2012

Federal Agencies Convene Week-Long Intertribal Youth Summit (Department of Justice)

Summit Focuses on Critical Youth Issues and Youth Leadership

More than 200 American Indian and Alaska Native youth and adult leaders from 53 tribal communities across the country convened at the 2012 National Intertribal Youth Summit, which ran from July 28- Aug. 2, 2012, in Washington DC. The summit coincided with the second anniversary of President Obama’s signing of the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) into law.

The summit provided a leadership forum where tribal youth could discuss critical issues facing them in Indian Country and it allowed Obama Administration officials to hear these concerns directly from the youth. Participants developed leadership skills and engaged in interactive discussions with tribal elders, leaders and mentors, youth advocates, and field experts on cultural values and community-based solutions to these critical issues. They also met with officials from Congress and the Departments of Justice, Interior, Health and Human Services and Education.

The Justice Department launched the Youth Summit initiative to promote long-term improvement in public safety in tribal communities in response to requests from tribal leaders for the development of culturally appropriate prevention, early intervention, treatment, rehabilitation and reentry programs for tribal youth and families.

“The choices that young leaders make will help define the future of their tribal nations. Working together, we can develop solutions to the challenges that they, their families and their peers face each day,” said Acting Associate Attorney General Tony West.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/July/12-asg-947.html

To read a blog about the summit from Acting Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Justice Programs, Mary Lou Leary, Click Here.

To view the photo gallery from this event, Click Here.

PUBLIC CORRUPTION

Jury Finds Member of Ho-Chunk Nation Guilty of Bribery and Tax Charges in Connection with Tribal Contracts (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin)

U.S. Attorney John W. Vaudreuil announced on Aug. 1, 2012 that Timothy Whiteagle was found guilty by a jury of bribery and tax crimes. Whiteagle faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for a bribery conspiracy count, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the eight bribery counts, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for two counts of filing false tax returns, and twenty years in prison on one count of obstruction by attempting to persuade a person to lie to the FBI. His sentencing was scheduled for Oct. 24, 2012.

From 2002 to 2009, Whiteagle acted covertly as a behind-the-scenes consultant for clients seeking to do business with the Ho-Chunk Nation and at times sought assistance from Deborah H. Atherton. Whiteagle and Atherton gave money and valuables to Clarence Pettibone, an elected legislator of the Ho-Chunk Nation, to influence and reward him for helping certain clients do business with the nation. Atherton pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. Her sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 10, 2012. Pettibone pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and was later sentenced to five years in federal prison.

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

Rapid City Woman Sentenced for Theft from an Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 27, 2012 that Deb Cuny, charged with embezzling more than $1,000 from the Wounded Knee Community Development Corporation between December 2010 and April 2011, was sentenced to two years probation, was ordered to pay $8,935 in restitution to the Wounded Knee Community Development Corporation, as well as $100 to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-07-27-Cuny.html

Little Eagle Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 24, 2012 that Kara One Feather pleaded guilty to a superseding information that charged her with Wire Fraud. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in custody, a $250,000 fine or both. Her sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 22, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-24-One%20Feather.html

FRAUD

Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty to False Statement (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on Aug. 1, 2012 that Sophia Yellow Boy pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged her with false statement. The maximum penalty upon conviction is eight years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Her sentencing date was scheduled for Nov. 30, 2012. The conviction arose from charges that One Feather used interstate wire communications to defraud a Nebraska man of approximately $13,000 from July 2010 to January 2011 by making false and fraudulent representations to the victim, who wired money to her bank in South Dakota.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-08-01-Yellow%20Boy.html

FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER

Sioux Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 26, 2012 that Terry Black Lance pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged him with failure to register as a sex offender. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and is required to register as a sex offender under federal law. His sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 15, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/SF-2012-07-26-Black%20Lance.html

DRUG ENFORCEMENT

Wanblee Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wanblee, S.D., man charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on Aug 2, 2012. Keith Lyle Brown, 30, was sentenced to 51 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Brown was convicted by a federal grand jury on Dec. 20, 2011. The charge relates to Brown conspiring with others to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in South Dakota between 2007 and 2011. Brown pleaded guilty to the charge on April 5, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-08-03-Brown.html

Omaha Woman Receives 60 Months for Distributing Crack Cocaine (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced on July 31, 2012 that Normie Johnson, charged with distributing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, was later sentenced to 60 months in prison and four years of supervised release following her release from prison.

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

ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

Eagle Butte Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on Aug. 1, 2012 that Louden Garreau pleaded guilty to one count of an indictment that charged him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 22, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-08-01-Garreau.html

Rosebud Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of Firearm Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 31, 2012 that Wayne Besherse, previously charged with felon in possession of a firearm, was sentenced to four months of home confinement, two years of probation, 40 hours of community service and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-31-Besherse%202.html

VIOLENT CRIME

Navajo Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Assault on Elderly Man (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced on Aug. 1, 2012 that William John Watchman pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and was later sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. According to the plea agreement, on Aug. 8, 2011, Watchman entered the victim’s bedroom, punched the victim three times, and then grabbed a clothing iron and repeatedly struck the victim in the face and body. Watchman then stomped on the victim’s head and left the residence. The victim suffered extremely serious, long term injuries. In fashioning the appropriate sentence in this case, Judge Snow found that the crime was motivated as a hate crime and that the crime was committed against a vulnerable victim, based on the victim’s age and disability. Further, the court found that Watchman’s conduct was heinous and deserving of an enhanced sentence.

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

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

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on Aug. 1, 2012 that Daniel A. Chase pleaded guilty to a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The charge of assault carries a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. His sentencing date was scheduled for Nov. 19, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/08-01-12-Daniel%20Chase%20Plea.html

Winnebago Man Sentenced to 4 years for Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Nebraska)

U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg announced on July 31, 2012 that Gabriel L. Rice, previously charged with sexual assault, was sentenced to four years in prison, five years of supervised release and must pay restitution in the sum of $1,009.00.

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

McLaughlin Man Sentenced to Over 15 Years for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Child (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 31, 2012 that Burton Little Dog was charged with aggravated sexual abuse of a child and was later sentenced to 188 months in custody, five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-31-Little%20Dog.html

Parker Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Sexual Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)

U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced on July 31, 2012 that Jesse Quijada pleaded guilty to 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 was scheduled for Oct. 22, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/APR/PR_07312012_Quijada.html

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

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 31, 2012 that Travis Creig Lewis pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and aiding and abetting. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both. His sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 22, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-31-Lewis.html

Jemez Pueblo Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 27, 2012 that Jerome Dominic Concha pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with an assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Concha faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and restitution as ordered by the Court. His sentencing date has not been scheduled yet.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-07-27_concha_pr.pdf

Kewa Pueblo Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 26, 2012 that Lolita Nieto pleaded guilty to an aggravated assault charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. She faces a sentence of 18 months in prison if she is convicted. Her sentencing date has not been scheduled yet.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-07-26_nieto_pr.pdf

Santa Clara Pueblo 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 26, 2012 that James Victor Eckleberry was convicted for assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He was later sentenced to 18 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-07-26_eckleberry_pr.pdf

Alex Medicine Horse Found Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)

U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced on July 25, 2012 that Alex Medicine Horse was found guilty of aggravated sexual abuse. Medicine Horse faces a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison and could be sentenced to life, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. His sentencing date was set for Oct. 31, 2012.

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

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

U.S. Attorney B. Todd Jones announced on July 25, 2012 that Myron Lee Jones Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Jones faces a potential maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. His sentencing date has not been scheduled yet.

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

Sanostee, N.M., Man Sentenced for Federal Felony Child Abuse Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on July 25, 2012 that Jaycee Emerson Miller was convicted of child abuse and sentenced to time-served, or 145 days in prison and ordered to a two year term of probation.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-07-25_miller_pr.pdf

McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Sexual Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on July 24, 2012 that Sheldon Gerry, previously charged with sexual assault, was later sentenced to 36 months in custody, five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment paid to the Victim Assistance Fund.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-07-24-Gerry.html

St. Michael Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of North Dakota)

U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced on July 24, 2012 that Douglas Allen Baker pleaded guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter. The charge of involuntary manslaughter carries a statutory maximum penalty of eight years in prison. His sentencing date was scheduled for Oct. 15, 2012.

http://www.justice.gov/usao/nd/news/2012/07-24-12-Baker%20Pleads.html