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.

Sage Ferguson Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls on March 13, 2012 before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, SAGE FERGUSON, a 18-year-old resident of Rocky Boy and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Indian Tribe, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for June 25, 2012. He is currently detained.

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

On August 28, 2011, while intoxicated, FERGUSON crashed a truck within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

As a result of the crash, a passenger was injured. The passenger was diagnosed with a thoracic fracture and is paralyzed from the waist down.

A witness would have testified that in advance of the crash, FERGUSON had been driving recklessly. Specifically, a witness stated that he was “fishtailing” and had been urged not to drive because of his intoxicated state.

FERGUSON faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Montana Highway Patrol, and Rocky Boy’s Law Enforcement.

FBI Offers $5,000 Reward in Montana Hit-and-Run Investigation

FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) David J. Johnson is announcing a $5,000 reward for the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person responsible for the death of 29-year old Eugene Jesse Stevens. Mr. Stevens was killed at approximately 1:45 a.m. on September 25, 2011, while walking along Highway 2 on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. “Since the incident, the FBI and our law enforcement partners have been working around the clock on this investigation. By offering a monetary reward, I am hopeful someone will come forward with information that will help us solve this case,” said SAC Johnson.

According to the investigation, Mr. Stevens left his vehicle and was walking westbound along Highway 2 between Browning and East Glacier when he was hit by a vehicle. The driver failed to stop. It appears the vehicle that hit Mr. Stevens was also heading westbound on Highway 2. Investigators continue to review evidence and field tips from the public. However, no arrests have been made in this case. Anyone who has information about the fatal incident is asked to contact the FBI in Salt Lake City at (801) 579-1400, or the FBI office in Shelby, Montana at (406) 424-8411.

The FBI would like to thank the media for continuing to publicize this case, members of the public who have contacted the FBI with information, and our law enforcement partners, including the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfeet Tribal Police, and the Montana Highway Patrol.

FBI Requests Public’s Help in Fatal Hit and Run on Blackfeet Reservation

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The FBI Salt Lake City Division is requesting the public’s help in identifying the person responsible for a fatal hit and run on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana. Early Sunday, at approximately 1:45 a.m., a male was hit and killed on Highway 2 between Browning and East Glacier. At this time, it appears the adult man left his vehicle for an unknown reason and began walking westbound along the highway, where he was hit and killed. The driver who hit him left the scene. At this point, the FBI is not releasing the victim’s name to ensure all next of kin has been notified.

The FBI is collaborating with the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office, Blackfeet Tribal Police, and Montana Highway Patrol to solve this case. If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the FBI office in Shelby, MT at 406-424-8411, or the main FBI office in Salt Lake City, UT at 801-579-1400.

The FBI would like to thank the media and the public for assisting in this matter.