Clayton Bertucci, Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender, Nebraska 2018

MACY, NEBRASKA – Clayton Bertucci, 32, of Macy, Nebraska, will spend the next five years in federal prison after receiving the maximum sentence for a vicious assault on a pregnant woman. U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher handed down the 60-month sentence today, a punishment reflecting the severity of Bertucci’s actions and his history of abuse.

According to court documents, the assault occurred on December 22, 2018, at Bertucci’s mother’s residence on the Omaha Indian Reservation. A domestic dispute erupted, prompting the victim to leave the house. Bertucci pursued her, and upon catching her, delivered a brutal beating, striking her in the back of the head and knocking her to the ground. The assault didn’t stop there; Bertucci continued to kick and hit the victim while she lay helpless. Cruelly, Bertucci was aware the victim was pregnant at the time.

The attack only ceased when Bertucci spotted an approaching police car, at which point he fled the scene. This wasn’t an isolated incident. Bertucci has a documented history of violence towards this same victim, with prior convictions for domestic abuse stemming from incidents in 2017 and 2018. The repeat offenses led to the charge of Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender, carrying a steep penalty.

“This is the statutory maximum possible punishment that Bertucci could have received,” stated United States Attorney Joe Kelly. Unlike state systems, there is no possibility of parole in the federal system. Bertucci will serve his full 60-month sentence before being released to three years of supervised release, a period meant to monitor his behavior and prevent further offenses.

The FBI Omaha field office took a strong stance on the case. Special Agent in Charge Kristi Johnson emphasized the Bureau’s commitment to justice in Indian Country. “The FBI is committed to its work in Indian Country. Domestic violence on tribal lands demands our attention. We will continue to find justice for every victim of this vicious crime,” Johnson declared.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Macy Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of domestic violence, particularly within vulnerable communities, and the dedication of law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Bertucci’s sentence sends a clear message: violence will not be tolerated, and those who repeatedly abuse others will face the full force of the law.

Related Federal Cases