Cornelius Little Nest Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on October 13, 2010, before Senior U.S. District Judge Jack D. Shanstrom, CORNELIUS LITTLE NEST, a 51-year-old resident of Hardin, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for January 19, 2011. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori H. Suek, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On April 16, 2010, a high-speed pursuit by the Montana Highway Patrol started off of the Crow Indian Reservation in Hardin. When the patrol officer tried to stop the car, the driver fled Hardin driving in excess of 90 mph. The car was stopped between Crow Agency and Dunmore. The driver was identified as LITTLE NEST. A second, unidentified adult male fled. Also in the car was the victim.

The officers found the victim to be seriously injured requiring emergency medical treatment. The investigation revealed that the victim had been beaten by LITTLE NEST over a three-day period of time. She suffered two broken ribs, severe bruising all over her body, including her pubic area, and a large portion of her hair was ripped out.

The victim was interviewed and identified the locations where she was assaulted by LITTLE NEST on the reservation, and how she was assaulted.

The treating physician confirmed that the victim's injuries meet the definition of serious bodily injury.

LITTLE NEST faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.