Vern Thomas Gardipee, Child Sex Abuse, Montana 2013

Great Falls, Montana – In a disturbing case of child sex abuse, Vern Thomas Gardipee, a 49-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the federally recognized Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, has been sentenced to prison for his heinous crimes. On September 25, 2013, Gardipee appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen in federal court in Great Falls, Montana.

The investigation revealed that Gardipee had engaged in sexual abuse of a young girl on April 27 and 28, 2012. He got into bed with the victim and sexually abused her, despite her attempts to get away. The abuse continued until Gardipee stopped his advances, but not before sexual contact occurred.

Gardipee pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to 30 months in prison. He was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100. As part of his supervised release, he will serve 30 years under the watchful eye of the court.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, Gardipee will likely serve the full 30 months imposed by the court. However, he may have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for good behavior, which will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, who worked tirelessly to bring Gardipee to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder of the severity of child sex abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

The sentencing of Vern Thomas Gardipee is a significant victory for justice in Montana. It highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to protecting children and ensuring that those who harm them face the full force of the law.

The court’s decision sends a clear message that child sex abuse will not be tolerated in our society. We must continue to work together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children.

Gardipee’s real full name is Vern Thomas Gardipee. The exact criminal charges against him were sexual abuse of a minor. The city and state where the crime occurred were Great Falls, Montana. The exact date of the crime was April 27 and 28, 2012. The sentence or outcome was 30 months in prison, a special assessment of $100, and 30 years of supervised release.

Related Federal Cases