Joseph Christopher Birdtail, Abusive Sexual Contact, Montana 2013

A shocking case of child abuse has come to light in Great Falls, Montana. Joseph Christopher Birdtail, a 36-year-old resident of Harlem and an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe, has plead guilty to abusive sexual contact of a minor.

The crime occurred on Friday, June 22, 2012 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. An approximately one-and-a-half years old child was taken to an emergency room where a doctor confirmed that the victim had been sexually abused.

Birdtail was interviewed and admitted that he had abused the victim. The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Belknap Tribes Law Enforcement.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Birdtail faces possible penalties of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and lifetime supervision when he is sentenced on August 27, 2013. He is currently detained.

The court session was held before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong on May 16, 2013. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica A. Betley filed an Offer of Proof in which the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

Birdtail sexually abused an approximately one-and-a-half years old child on Friday, June 22, 2012.

The defendant is currently detained and will face sentencing on August 27, 2013.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/joseph-christopher-birdtail-pleads-guilty-us-federal-court