Macy Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Assault and Domestic Violence

United States Attorney Joe Kelly announced that Roman Harlan, 34, of Macy, Nebraska, was sentenced in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for assault with a dangerous weapon; strangling an intimate partner; and domestic abuse by a habitual offender. Chief United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Harlan to a total sentence of 90 months. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Harlan will begin a three-year term of supervised release.

On September 18, 2018 a jury found Harlan guilty of assault, strangulation and domestic violence-related charges. The evidence at trial established that on March 17, 2018, Harlan returned to his home in Macy. He punched his victim, T.M., in the face, held her down by pressing his knees into her shoulder and strangled her until she was unconscious. When T.M. regained consciousness, Harlan was holding two knives to her throat. He threatened T.M.’s life and that of her two-year-old child should she report the assault to the police. Harlan was found to be a habitual domestic offender. One of his earlier convictions was in federal court. He previously received a 51-month sentence for punching and kicking his wheelchair bound partner.

The federal government has jurisdiction over major crimes on the Omaha Indian Reservation involving a Native American. United States Attorney Joe Kelly credits the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services for their response and investigation of this matter. Kelly noted that aggravated and domestic assaults are a priority and will be vigorously pursued by his office.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Omaha Nation Law Enforcement Services.