Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, Arson, Montana 2020

Hardin Woman Sentenced to Prison for Arson on Crow Indian Reservation

BILLINGS — In a shocking case of arson, Vanessa Faith Prettyontop, also known as Vanessa Faith Gunshows, 34, was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for burning down a house on the Crow Indian Reservation in 2020. Prettyontop pleaded guilty in April to arson, a federal crime that carries severe penalties.

The court documents revealed that on October 3, 2020, Prettyontop started a fire in a house owned by the victim, identified as John Doe. The victim had nearly finished a renovation and was planning to move in. Prettyontop entered the house through an open back door and intentionally lit a mattress on fire with a lighter. The fire spread to the rest of the house and Prettyontop walked out the front door. In a bizarre twist, Prettyontop called 911 to turn herself in, confessed, and said she was tired of people fighting over the house.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case, which was investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Torske prosecuted the case, bringing the perpetrator to justice.

According to the government, Prettyontop’s actions caused significant damage to the house and put the victim’s life at risk. The exact extent of the damage is not specified in the court documents. However, it is clear that Prettyontop’s actions were reckless and intentional.

The sentencing of Prettyontop sends a strong message that arson is a serious crime that carries severe penalties. The people of Montana can rest assured that justice has been served in this case. The case serves as a reminder that arson is a crime that can have devastating consequences, not only for the victims but also for the community as a whole.

As the case comes to a close, the people of Montana can breathe a sigh of relief. The perpetrator has been held accountable for their actions, and justice has been served. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the severe consequences of committing crimes such as arson.

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