GREAT FALLS — In a shocking display of brazen violence, Gilbert Raymond Martinez, 32, of Fort Belknap and North Dakota, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in a federal court today.
According to sources close to the investigation, Martinez fired a 9mm pistol at two women in the Newtown Housing area of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation on May 17, 2021. The chilling incident left the victims shaken and a community on high alert.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to holding accountable individuals who engage in violent behavior,” said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich in a statement. “Martinez’s actions were reckless and put the lives of two women in danger.”
Martinez, who faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release, appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. The court will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation, led by the FBI, Fort Belknap Police Department, and Blaine County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that the second woman narrowly escaped serious injury when Martinez fired the pistol. She told responding officers that if she had not moved out of the way, the bullet would have hit her.
Martinez is currently being held in custody pending further proceedings, with sentencing set for September 19. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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