In a recent case on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, a man from Busby admitted to assaulting his dating partner, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. The defendant, Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, 31, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Littlewhiteman now faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release. The incident occurred on October 30, 2022, when an argument escalated and Littlewhiteman punched his partner, identified as Jane Doe, in the face. Jane Doe was treated for injuries at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Sabol, with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI conducting the investigation. A sentencing date will be set by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
Busby man admits assaulting dating partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation
Summary
In a disturbing incident that took place in Busby, on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, a man has admitted to assaulting his dating partner. The defendant, Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, has entered a guilty plea for assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. This article will provide detailed information on the case, the legal proceedings, potential consequences for the defendant, and the ongoing investigation.
Case Details
The incident occurred on October 30, 2022, in the town of Busby, located on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. The victim, referred to as ‘Jane Doe,’ was in a dating relationship with the defendant, Weston Francis Littlewhiteman. A heated argument and confrontation between the two individuals escalated into a violent assault. As a result, Jane Doe suffered injuries that required medical treatment at the Indian Health Service in Lame Deer.
Legal Proceedings
Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, having pleaded guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury, will face a sentencing hearing. The case falls under the jurisdiction of the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided over Littlewhiteman’s guilty plea, and the sentencing date will be determined before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. During the sentencing, the court will take into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors to determine the appropriate penalty for the defendant.
Sentencing
The defendant, Weston Francis Littlewhiteman, faces significant penalties for his assault conviction. Assault resulting in substantial bodily injury carries a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison. In addition to the prison term, Littlewhiteman may also be liable for a fine of up to $250,000 and a period of supervised release. The final sentence will be determined by the court, considering the circumstances of the case and the applicable sentencing guidelines.
Investigation
The Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have been involved in conducting a comprehensive investigation into the assault incident. The investigation aims to collect and analyze evidence relating to the case, including interviews with the victim, witnesses, and the defendant. Furthermore, the investigation seeks to establish a timeline of events leading up to the assault and gather information on any prior incidents or patterns of violence.
Case Prosecutor
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Sabol has been assigned as the case prosecutor. Sabol’s responsibilities include presenting the case in court, seeking justice for the victim, and working closely with the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. As the case proceeds to the sentencing phase, Sabol will play a crucial role in advocating for an appropriate punishment for the defendant.
Related Cases
This assault incident in Busby is unfortunately not an isolated occurrence. Domestic violence and assault cases are prevalent in various tribal communities. Some related cases that highlight the seriousness of such offenses include a Pryor man sentenced to 37 months in prison for domestic assault, a Hardin man admitting to assault of a woman on the Crow Indian Reservation, and a Browning man sentenced to more than eight years in prison for raping a girl on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. These cases emphasize the importance of addressing violence within tribal communities and seeking justice for the victims.
Contact Information
For further information or inquiries related to this case, the Public Affairs Officer Clair Johnson Howard can be contacted at 406-247-4623 or via email at Clair.Howard@usdoj.gov.
Press Release
A press release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana, provides an overview of the assault incident and the guilty plea entered by the defendant, Weston Francis Littlewhiteman. The press release emphasizes the seriousness of the offense and outlines the potential penalties that Littlewhiteman may face. It also highlights the role of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and FBI in investigating the case.
Additional Resources
For individuals seeking assistance or support related to domestic violence or assault, there are various resources available. The article suggests referring to the Indian Country Law and Justice resources, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the USAO – Montana for additional information. Furthermore, victims and individuals seeking help can reach out to the District of Montana Billings Main Office for further guidance and support.
In conclusion, the assault incident involving a Busby man and his dating partner on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation is a deeply concerning case. With the defendant’s admission of guilt, the legal proceedings will determine the appropriate consequences for his actions. The ongoing investigation seeks to gather evidence and establish the facts surrounding the incident. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey A. Sabol is dedicated to presenting the case in court and seeking justice for the victim. The related cases highlight the urgent need to address violence within tribal communities. For more information or support, individuals can refer to the provided contact information and additional resources.