Adrian Broken Rope Sentenced in U.S. District Court

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings on April 4, 2012 before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, Adrian Uriah Broken Rope, a 25-year-old resident of Lodge Grass and an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe, appeared for sentencing. Broken Rope was sentenced to a term of:

■Prison: 60 months

■Special assessment: $400

■Supervised release: three years

Broken Rope was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to involuntary manslaughter and three counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

In an offer of proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vince Carroll, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On May 5, 2011, a motor vehicle accident was reported on the Crow Indian Reservation. Responding emergency personnel and witnesses observed Broken Rope “pinned” behind the wheel of the vehicle. “XX,” a passenger in Broken Rope’s vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three other passengers, “AA,” “BB,” and “CC,” were transported to nearby medical facilities for medical treatment.

An investigation was immediately initiated into this matter. As part of the investigation, occupants of the car involved were interviewed. Those with a recollection attested that Broken Rope was the driver. Initial medical information indicated that Broken Rope had a blood alcohol level of above 0.26 at the time of the crash. Additionally, analysis of the crash site by Montana Highway Patrol troopers suggested Broken Rope was exceeding the posted speed limit immediately prior to the crash.

An autopsy confirmed XX’s death was caused by injuries sustained during the crash. The three other passengers each sustained injuries that constituted serious bodily injury as a result of the crash.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the “truth in sentencing” guidelines mandate that Broken Rope will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, Broken Rope does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for “good behavior.” However, this reduction will not exceed 15 percent of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Montana Highway Patrol.