Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
Babaamaajimowinan (Telling of news in different places)
INDIAN COUNTRY PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVES
Federal and Tribal Officials Mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month at Annual Violence Against Women Tribal Consultation in Oklahoma
Federal and tribal officials joined together in Tulsa, Okla., on Oct. 2, 2012 to commemorate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at opening ceremonies before the department’s annual tribal consultation on Violence Against Native Women, held this year in Tulsa. Acting Director of the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) Bea Hanson joined the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma Danny C. Williams Sr., and more than 200 tribal leaders, public safety and health officials to reaffirm a shared commitment to reduce and end violence against American Indian and Alaska Native women, which has reached epidemic proportions.
Participants viewed a new training DVD entitled “Using Federal Law to Prosecute Domestic Violence Crimes in Indian County”. The new training video is designed to highlight all tools available to federal and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and victim specialists to address domestic violence crimes. The video uses case studies and play by play accounts from tribal police, federal prosecutors, judges, victims, and victim specialists, to show a comprehensive approach to obtaining justice for victims, including the use of relatively new federal laws.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is a time to reflect on tremendous achievements made since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 18 years ago, while reminding ourselves that much is still to be done to ensure that our children and grandchildren grow up in an America free of domestic violence.
http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2012/October/12-ovw-1192.html
United States Attorney’s Office Commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month with Outreach, Training (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
The U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will commemorate National Domestic Violence Awareness Month- the month of October-by participating in several tribal organizational meetings aimed at combating domestic violence in Indian Country. The meetings will allow federal prosecutors to collaborate with tribal communities on new tools to prosecute repeat offenders, improved training of tribal police in the most effective methods to investigate domestic violence, and the need for community members to report suspected domestic violence offenses. During outreach events to tribal organizations this month, federal prosecutors will discuss their current efforts and methods to address domestic violence in Indian Country, and will discuss their delivery of customized training on domestic violence investigation methods that improve chances for successful federal prosecution. Prosecutors will also share with tribal communities the progress of the Tribal Special Assistant United States Attorney Initiative, a program that has allowed tribal prosecutors to be trained as federal prosecutors to handle federals cases arising in their communities.
U.S. Attorney Announces Appointment of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for Indian Country (U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon)
On Oct. 5, 2012, U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall announced that M. Brent. Leonhard has been appointed as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to prosecute federal crimes occurring in Indian Country. Leonhard is and will continue to be an attorney for the Confederate tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). He is currently serving on Attorney General Eric Holder’s Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force in Indian Country. Leonhard also assisted in drafting language for the Tribal Law and Order Act of 2010.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/or/PressReleases/2012/20121005_sausa.html
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DRUG ENFORCEMENT
Sacaton Man Sentenced for Selling Methamphetamine on the Gila River India Community (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that Louis Carlos Juarez-Guzman, 37, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, on Oct. 2, 2012. Juarez-Guzman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine on May 14, 2012. Juarez-Guzman sold methamphetamine to undercover officers on multiple occasions from September 2010 to June 2011. Juarez-Guzman’s co-defendant, Rose Marie Gonzales, is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 29, 2012.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/AUG/PR_10032012_Juarez-Guzman.html
McLaughlin Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on Oct. 2, 2012, that Nathan Martin, 30, pleaded guilty to two of the counts of a Superseding Indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with intent to Distribute Cocaine and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.
The drug conviction arose from incidents that occurred between Oct. 1 and Dec. 28, 2011, when Martin and other co-defendants possessed and distributed cocaine as part of a drug trafficking conspiracy. The assault conviction arose from an incident that occurred on Dec. 27, 2011, in which Martin and others assaulted a man in Corson County with shod feet and a handgun. A sentencing date has been set for Jan. 4, 2013.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-09-Martin.html
Martin Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Controlled Substance (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that David Alan Gotheridge, 55, pleaded guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance on Oct. 2, 2012. On April 17, 2012, Gotheridge distributed hydrocodone with acetaminophen at Martin. The charger is a result of Operation Prairie Pharm, a controlled substances investigation conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. The maximum penalty upon convictions is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Two Plead Guilty in Case Involving Methamphetamine Lab in Indian Country (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma)
U.S. Attorney Sanford C. Coats announced that John Peter McDonald, 35, pleaded guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine and Verna Marie Mihecoby, 29, pleaded guilty to maintaining a premises for manufacturing methamphetamine on Oct. 1, 2012. At the plea hearings, McDonald admitted that he manufactured methamphetamine and Mihecoby admitted that she allowed McDonald to engage in the manufacture of methamphetamine on the property where she resided. A sentencing date will be set by the Court in approximately 90 days.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/okw/news/2012/2012_10_01.html
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VIOLENT CRIME
Isleta Pueblo Woman Sentenced to Prison for Aggravated Assault Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
On Oct. 11, 2012, U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Carleen Christina Jojola, 37, was sentenced to ten months in prison and one year of supervised release for her aggravated assault conviction. She was also ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution to cover the costs of her victim’s medical expenses. On July 18, 2012, Jojola pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging her with aggravated assault. In her plea agreement, Jojola admitted that she stabbed the victim of her assault with a steak knife during an argument that escalated into a physical altercation.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-11_jojola_pr.pdf
Crownpoint Man Pleads Guilty to Making a False Report to the FBI (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced on Oct. 11, 2012, that Cody Tsosie, 22, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor information charging him with making a false report to a law enforcement agency. Tsosie was arrested on March 8, 2012, on an indictment charging him with knowingly making false statements during the course of an investigation being conducted by the FBI. According to the indictment, Tsosie made false statements to the FBI as to how and when another Navajo man sustained fatal injuries on Highway 491 near Yah-Ta-Hey, N.M. The indictment alleged that Tsosie falsely claimed that he came upon the victim on the roadway as he was driving by, and that he loaded the victim into back of his truck and sought medical assistance for the victim after observing that he was injured. The indictment further alleged that, when he made the false statements, Tsosie knew that the victim had sustained his fatal injuries by falling out of the back of Tsosie’s truck while Tsosie was driving at a high rate of speed.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-11_tsosie_pr.pdf
St. Francis Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Dino Kane, 23, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Oct. 10, 2012. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on Aug. 4, 2012, when Kane was driving a motor vehicle after drinking alcoholic beverages and was under the influence of alcohol. Kane lost control of the vehicle, causing it to roll. The victim died from injuries sustained in the crash. Kane, whose blood alcohol level was determined to be .268, was also injured. A sentencing date was set for Jan. 4, 2013.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-08-24-Kane.html
Norris Man Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Mark Clairmont, 48, pleaded guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter on Oct. 9, 2012. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on February 17, 2012, when Clairmont was driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Clairmont lost control of the vehicle, and the victim was ejected through the rear window of the vehicle and died on the scene. Clairmont’s blood alcohol level was .281 two hours after the crash. A sentencing date has been set for January 2, 2013.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-06-25-Clairmont.html
Gene Kristy Guardipee Jr. Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that on Oct. 9, 2012, Gene Kristy Guardipee Jr., 35, a member of the Blackfeet Tribe, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Between Nov. 2011 and March 2012, Guardipee received nude photos of minors, and also had sex with a minor on multiple occasions. Sentencing has been set for Jan. 14, 2013.
Red Lake Man Indicted for Assaulting Another Red Lake Man (U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota)
U.S. Attorney Todd Jones announced that Thomas Phillip Sayers was indicted with one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 5, 2011, Sayers, 35, assaulted another member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. Sayers’ alleged assault resulted in serious bodily injury to the man. A trial date has not yet been set.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/mn/sayersindicted.html
Wyoming Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Escape (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that on Oct. 5, 2012, Matthew Antelope, 30, was sentenced for escaping from Community Alternatives of Casper, Wyoming, and a subsequent assault that occurred on the Wind River Indian Reservation on Feb, 2012. Mr. Antelop was sentenced to 51 months imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and a $200.00 special assessment.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/news/2012/10october/12-062_october11.html
Shiprock Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Sexual Contact Conviction (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that on Oct. 5, 2012, David John George, 56, was sentenced to a two-year- term of imprisonment for his abusive sexual contact conviction. On June 20, 2012, George pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a female. George will be on supervised release for five years after completing his prison sentence. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-09_george_pr.pdf
Wyoming Man Charged with Escape from Custody (U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming)
U.S. Attorney Christopher A. Crofts announced that Louis Slone Yellowfox, appeared in federal court after having been indicted for escape. The July 19, 2012 indictment alleges that he escaped from custody when he willfully failed to return within the time prescribed to the Community Alternatives of Casper, the institutional facility in which Yellowfox was lawfully confined. This offense carries a penalty of up to five years imprisonment and a $250,000.00 fine. Trial has been set for Dec. 2012. http://www.justice.gov/usao/wy/news/2012/10october/12-062_october11.html
Tohajiilee 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 Oct. 5, 2012 that Nathan R. Platero, 41, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with abusive sexual contact under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Platero faces up to ten years of imprisonment to be followed by a term of supervised release, and will be required to register as a sex offender.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-09_platero_pr.pdf
Member of Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Assault Charge (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana)
U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley announced today that Nicholas Tyler Poncho, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, related to an incident on Jan. 22, 2012, in which Poncho intentionally struck his father with 1.5 liter wine bottle, with the intent to do bodily harm. Sentencing has been scheduled for Jan. 10, 2013.
Laguna Pueblo Man Charged with Assaulting a Federally Deputized Tribal Police Officer (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Phillip Derek Lorenzo, 23, was charged with assaulting a federal officer on Oct. 4, 2012. The indictment stemmed from an incident that occurred on Nov. 11, 2011, when Lorenzo struck and kicked a federal officer when the officer responded to a call at a residence in Laguna Pueblo.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-04_lorenzo_pr.pdf
Cherry Creek Man Guilty of Sexual Contact with a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that on Oct. 2, 2012, Marlem Dupris, 59, of Cherry Creek, South Dakota, pleaded guilty to one count of Sexual Contact with a Minor. The conviction arose from an incident that occurred between May 20075 and October 2007 when Marlem Dupris engaged in an act of sexual contact with a minor. The sentencing date was set for Dec. 17, 2012.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-09-Dupris.html
Wanblee Woman Guilty of Child Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kehuanna Poitra, 31, pleaded guilty to Felony Child Abuse and Neglect on Oct. 3, 2012. Between July and August 2011, Poitra, of Wanblee, SD, failed to properly care for her infant son and did not seek necessary medical attention, ultimately leading to his death. A sentencing date has yet to be determined.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-10-09-Poitra.html
Carnegie Man to Serve 42 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition on Indian Land (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma)
U.S. Attorney General Sanford C. Coats announced that James Harwood Halberg, 37, was sentenced to serve 42 months in prison for being a convicted felon illegally in possession of firearms and ammunition. On June 24, 2009, law enforcement performed a traffic stop involving Halberg, where Halberg admitted that he had a shotgun at his residence. Further investigation showed that Halberg had multiple firearms and ammunition illegally. Halberg pleaded guilty to being a convicted felon illegally in possession of a firearm on Aug, 3, 2011.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/okw/news/2012/2012_10_05.html
Colorado man Pleads Guilty to Child Abuse (U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona)
U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo announced that Brice Little, 29, pleaded guilty to child abuse on Oct. 2, 2012. According to the plea agreement, Little, was caring for a four-month-old child while the child’s mother was out. Little found the baby on the floor, in medical distress. Little was aware that the baby needed medical care, although he did not seek medical treatment. The child was taken to the hospital upon the arrival of the child’s mother.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/press_releases/2012/AUG/PR_10032012_Little.html
Kenel Man Sentenced for Domestic Abuse by Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Kerby St. John, 44, was sentenced to 24 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. St. John was convicted of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender, and the conviction arose out of an incident in July 2011, when St. John committed an act of domestic assault against another intimate partner. The jury’s guilty verdict for Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender is believed to be one of the first in the nation involving a newly enacted federal statute that punished acts of domestic violence in federal, state, or tribal court.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-09-St.%20John.html
Wanblee Man Charged with Kidnapping, Aiding, and Abetting was Sentenced (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Wanblee, SD man charged with Kidnapping and Aiding and Abetting was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2012. Jerett Jakeway, 26, was sentenced to 62 months in custody, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on Nov. 5, 2011, when Jakeway and his father abducted the victim. At gun point, they force the victim out of a vehicle, and assaulted him. On their way back, law enforcement authorities stopped the Jakeways, and freed the victim, who suffered bruises and abrasions. Jakeway was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-10-Jakeway%20Jerett.html
James Kirby King Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that James Kirby King, 46, pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact. The victim was passed out at King’s residence at the time of sexual abuse. King faces possible penalties of 3 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision. King is currently detained, and his sentencing has been set for Jan.7, 2013.
Parmelee man Sentenced in Sexual Abuse Case (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
On Oct. 1, 2012, U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Randall Carl Little Thunder, 40, was sentenced to 108 months in custody, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victims Assistance Fund for Sexual Abuse. The conviction stems from an incident that took place around June 23, 2011, when Little Thunder had sexual contact with the victim, who was incapable of giving consent. Little Thunder was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-10-Little%20Thunder.html
Terra Lee Brandy Running Crane Sentenced in U.S. District Court (U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana)
U.S. Attorney Michael W. Cotter announced that Terra Lee Brandy Running Crane, 27, was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2012. Running Crane was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. She was sentenced to 57 months in prison, and three years of supervised release. On Nov. 22, 2011, Running Crane ran her vehicle into a man, ejecting him through a window of the house he was standing in front of, and sped off. Evidence showed that Running Crane had been drinking with the victim prior to the assault, and a fight arose, which prompted Running Crane to hit the victim with her vehicle, in which the victim sustained serious, bodily injuries.
Wounded Knee Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Avery Hawk Wing, 22, was sentenced to 40 months in prison, and three years of supervised release on Sept. 28, 2012. Hawk Wing’s indictment was the result of a Nov. 2011 event in which Hawk Wing recklessly drove a vehicle at high speed, causing it to roll and eject a passenger, who then died from her injuries. Hawk Wing was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-10-09-Hawk%20Wing.html
Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan. V. Johnson announced that Daryl Lee “Chipper” Goings, Sr., 46, pleaded guilty to a federal charge of Domestic Assault by an Habitual Offender on Sept. 27, 2012. The charge stems from goings causing substantial injury to a female during a domestic assault on Sept. 3 or 4, 2011. Goings has been convicted on at least two separate prior occasions for Aggravated Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. A sentencing date has been set for Jan. 14, 2013.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-10-10-Goings.html
Rosebud Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing and Destroying Evidence (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Calvin Phillip Gillette, 21 pleaded guilty to Concealing and Destroying Evidence on Sept. 26, 2012. The conviction stem from an incident that took place on Aug. 4, 2011, when Gillette took a knife that was used in an alleged assault by his co-defendant and threw it into a dam. The knife was never recovered. A sentencing date is set for Dec. 17, 2012.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-09-28-Gillette.html
Mission Man Sentenced for Sexual Abuse of a Minor (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that on Sept. 28, 2012, Robert Romero, 34, was sentenced to 78 months in custody, three years of supervised release, a $500 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. Romero was charged with Sexual Abuse of a Minor. The conviction stemmed from events occurring during the time period of June 24, 2004, to June 30, 2004, when Romero had sexual contact with a 12-year-old female.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-09-28-Romero.html
Lower Brule Woman Sentenced for Assault (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that on Sept. 25, 2012, Keesha Ewing, 31, was sentenced to 27 months in custody, and two years of supervised release. Ewing pleaded guilty to Assault with a Dangerous Weapon on July 3, 2012, the conviction stemming from an event in which Ewing assaulted the victim with a knife.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-09-28-Ewing.html
Mission Man Pleads Guilty to Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Robert Garrett, 29, of Mission, SD, pleaded guilty to Domestic Assault by Habitual Offender on Sept. 25, 2012. The conviction stems from an incident that took place on Aug. 9, 2011, when Garrett assaulted his intimate partner. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-09-28-Garrett.html
Mescalero Apache Man Charger with Federal Assault Offenses (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Anthony John Shanta, 19, be temporarily detained on federal assault charges pending a detention hearing on Oct. 5, 2012. Shanta was arrested on Sept. 25, 2012 on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. According to the complaint, Shanta allegedly assaulted another man, stabbing him in the neck with a folding knife. The assault allegedly occurred while the two men were drinking alcohol.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-09-28_chino_pr.pdf
Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Escape (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that on Oct. 9, 2012, Harold Brewer Jr., 23, was charged with Escape from Custody and sentenced to 6 months of imprisonment, two years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. In an event occurring on May 6, 2012, Brewer left the Community Alternatives of the Black Hills where he was confined and did not return. Brewer pleaded guilty to the charge on July 13, 2012.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/RC-2012-10-09-Brewer.html
Jury Convicts Northern Michigan Man of the Sexual Assault and Murder of his 15-Week-Old Daughter (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan)
U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Miles, Jr., announced that on Sept. 19, 2012, Steven William Deuman Jr., was convicted of aggravated sexual assault and the murder of his 15-week-old baby. The murder occurred on August 12, 2011, on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians reservation. The verdicts followed an eight-day trial that included the testimony of some 35 witnesses. The defendant faces a sentence of mandatory life without parole on the murder conviction. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
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PUBLIC CORRUPTION
Former Governor of Santa Ana Pueblo Arrested on Federal Embezzlement and Tax Charges (U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)
U.S. Attorney Kenneth J. Gonzales announced that Bruce Sanchez, 58, and Thomas Keesing, 59, were arrested on Oct. 3, 2012, on a 15-count indictment charging both men with one conspiracy offense and ten embezzlement offenses. Sanchez, a member, resident and former governor of Santa Ana Puebloe, was also charged with four tax offenses. According to the indictment, between 2003 and 2009, Sanchez and Keesing conspired to embezzle at least $3.6 million from the Indian Pueblo Federal Development Corporation (IPFDC), an Indian tribal organization formed for the purpose of developing real estate for the purpose of benefitting members of the 19 Pueblos of New Mexico.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/nm/pr/2012/2012-10-02_sanchez_et_al_pr.pdf
Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced on Oct. 9, 2012, Tanya Walking Eagle, 39, charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization, was sentenced to 1 month in custody, 3, years of supervised release, $30,304 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victim Assistance Fund. The conviction stems from thefts that took place between Oct. 1, 2009, and Dec. 10, 2012, when Walking Eagle submitted false claims to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program and worked with an employee there to embezzle or steal money she was not entitled to receive. Walking Eagle must report to the custody of the U.S. Marshal on Oct. 16, 2012.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-10-Walking%20Eagle.html
Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Loan Fraud and Bribery (U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin)
U.S. Attorney John W. Vaudreuil announced that Deborah Atherton, 55, was sentenced to four years and two months in prison for her role in a loan fraud scheme and a separate bribery scheme involving contracts awarded by the Ho-Chunk Nation. Atherton pleaded guilty on July 9, 2012, to conspiring to submit a loan application, and she stipulated to facts constituting the bribery offense. Evidence showed that Atherton obtained over $900,000 in loans by submitting false W-2s.
Rosebud Man Sentenced in Theft from Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that on Oct. 1, 2012, Nathan Janis, 32, was sentenced to six months in custody, six months at a residential re-entry program, three years of supervised release, $33,816.20 in restitution, and a $100 special assessment to the Victims Assistance Fund. Janis was charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization, a conviction stemming from an incident that took place between Oct.1, 2009, and Dec. 10, 2012, when Janis submitted false claims to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program and worked with an employee there to embezzle money he was not entitled to receive.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-10-Janis.html
Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Theft from Indian Tribal Organization (U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota)
U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Gonzales announced that Barbara Duysak, 39, was sentenced on Oct. 1, 2012, to two months in custody, six months of home confinement, three years of supervised release, and $42,433.20 in restitution. Duysak was charged with Theft from Indian Tribal Organization. The conviction stems from an incident that took place between Oct. 1, 2009, and Dec. 10, 2010, when Duysak submitted false payment request forms to the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Child Care Services program for falsified child care hours and embezzled money she was not entitled to receive. Duysak worked as an administrator for the program during the time frame.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/sd/pressreleases/Pierre-2012-10-10-Walking%20Eagle.html
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