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Press Release

Spirit Lake Man Sentenced to 60 years in Federal Prison for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of North Dakota

FARGO – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 17, 2018, U.S. District Judge James M. Moody, Eastern District of Arkansas, sitting by designation, sentenced Dakota James Charboneau, age 24, Spirit Lake Indian Reservation, ND, on charges of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon; Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; and Use of a Gun During a Crime of Violence.  Judge Moody sentenced Charboneau to serve 60 years in federal prison, to be followed by five years supervised release.  Charboneau was further ordered to pay $800 in special assessments to the Crime Victims’ Fund and restitution to the victims for medical expenses.

On October 22, 2017, Dakota James Charboneau assaulted two men on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation.  Using the butt end of a gun, Charboneau inflicted serious bodily injury on the two men.  Charges were filed against Charboneau for these assaults.  Charboneau went into hiding with numerous family and friends to avoid apprehension by law enforcement. 

On November 20, 2017, Charboneau assaulted his former girlfriend by shooting her in the face with a shotgun.  As a result of the shooting, the young female victim lost her eye.  On December 1, 2017, Charboneau was arrested following a high-speed chase through three North Dakota counties. 

Charboneau was convicted on June 8, 2018, by a Fargo jury for the October assaults on the two men.  On September 17, 2018, at a combined change of plea and sentencing hearing, Charboneau entered a plea of guilty for the November assault on the female shooting victim. 

U.S. Attorney Myers stated, “The convictions and sentences in these cases illustrate the dedication and commitment by the agents and prosecutors to bring justice for those victims of violent crime in our tribal communities.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Assistant United States Attorney Janice M. Morley prosecuted the case.

 

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Updated September 18, 2018