Bullhead Man Pleads Guilty to Assault
| U.S. Attorney’s Office July 11, 2011 |
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Brandon Bagola, age 23, of Bullhead, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on July 11, 2011, and pled guilty to a superseding information that charged him with two counts of assault by striking, beating, and wounding and aiding and abetting assault by striking, beating, and wounding. The maximum penalty upon conviction of both counts is one year in custody, a $10,000 fine, or both.
The assault occurred on April 24, 2010, at Bullhead between the Little Eagle family and their supporters and the White Eagle family and their supporters. During the fight, Brandon Bagola and others unlawfully assaulted Joey White Eagle by striking, beating, and wounding him. Additionally, Bagola unlawfully aided or abetted the assault of Ansel White Eagle, Sr.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Standing Rock Agency. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mikal Hanson.
A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for October 17, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.