Dodson man admits assault charge after vehicle crash on Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

GREAT FALLS — A Dodson man today admitted an assault charge after he drifted into the oncoming lane while driving and crashed into another vehicle, seriously injuring the other driver, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Marvin James Cole, 27, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Cole faces a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for March 6, 2024. Cole was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged that on June 22, 2022, Cole crashed his GMC truck into a Dodge Avenger driven by the victim, identified as John Doe, on Highway 66 near Harlem, on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Doe suffered serious injuries and ultimately was treated at a hospital in Seattle. A toxicology report showed amphetamine and methamphetamine in Cole’s blood. Cole agreed that he likely drifted into the other lane when he looked at his phone.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI, Fort Belknap Law Enforcement, Montana Highway Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.

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