United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger today announced the sentencing of KYLE WAYNE MARTIN, SR., 25, an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, to 120 months in federal prison for a violent domestic assault committed on the Red Lake Indian Reservation. MARTIN pleaded guilty on August 20, 2014, to one count of strangulation. The defendant was sentenced today before Chief Judge Michael J. Davis in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis, Minn.

According to the defendant’s guilty plea and documents filed in court, on March 24, 2014, MARTIN assaulted the victim, who was an intimate acquaintance, in the driveway of the family home in the Ponemah District within the exterior boundaries of the Red Lake Indian Reservation. MARTIN strangled the victim in a severe act of domestic violence, restraining her as she attempted to escape in her car. MARTIN also assaulted his relatives when the victim sought to escape from the house. The attack left the victim with both physical and emotional injuries.

The U.S. Justice Department is taking steps to increase engagement, coordination, and action relative to public safety in tribal communities, including the creation of the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force. This task force will explore current issues raised by professionals in the field and recommend “best practices” in prosecution strategies involving domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.

To learn more about the Justice Department’s Tribal Safety program, visit http://www.justice.gov/tribal/. This case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Red Lake Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clifford B. Wardlaw. Defendant Information: KYLE WAYNE MARTIN, SR., 25 Ponemah, Minn. Convicted:

• Strangulation, one count

Sentenced:

• 120 months in prison