Zachary James Cassidy, Assault, Babb MT, 2023

Babb Man Admits to Multiple Assaults on Dating Partner

In a shocking turn of events, Zachary James Cassidy, 33, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury and two counts of assault of a dating partner resulting in substantial injury. The crimes, which took place on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation, left his victim, Jane Doe, with severe injuries and emotional trauma.

According to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, Cassidy’s assault on Jane Doe occurred on three separate occasions within a year. The first incident took place in June 2022, when Cassidy became upset with Jane Doe at a bar in St. Mary. He physically assaulted her, dragged her outside using a chokehold, and continued the assault in the parking lot. Cassidy then drove Jane Doe to his residence, where he continued the assault, leaving her unable to move.

Jane Doe sought medical attention the next day for her multiple injuries and returned to the hospital a month later for follow-up treatment. In August, Cassidy assaulted Jane Doe again at his residence, kicking a friend in the back and pushing her head into a truck. Cassidy told the friend she was trespassing and threatened to shoot her. That night, Jane Doe’s family members came to get her and took her to the hospital for treatment of her injuries.

The third assault occurred on January 9, as Cassidy and Jane Doe were traveling from her family residence toward Babb. Cassidy started getting mad at Jane Doe and became violent, leaving Jane Doe refusing to get out of the truck. A neighbor witnessed the assault and called law enforcement.

Cassidy faces a maximum of 10 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. A plea agreement reached in the case stipulates that a specific term of between 48 months and 72 months of imprisonment is appropriate. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for November 30, and Cassidy is currently being held pending further proceedings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, with assistance from the FBI, Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Border Patrol.

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