GREAT FALLS, Mont. (NMB) – A Cut Bank man accused of strangling and assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Reservation admitted multiple charges on Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.
Gordon Lee Connelly, 20, pleaded guilty to strangulation, assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and interstate violation of a protection order. Connelly faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the strangulation count, and a maximum of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the assault count and the violation of protection order count.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and set sentencing for October 7th. Connelly was detained pending further proceedings.
In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution alleged that on February 16th , Connelly strangled and assaulted the victim near Cut Bank, on the Blackfeet Reservation, causing her substantial injuries. The government further alleged that on March 25th, Connelly violated a portion of a protection order that prohibits violence, threats and communication with another person.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah A. Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Glacier County Sheriff’s Office and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.
Courtesy of U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana
