Lame Deer man sentenced more than 10 years in prison in attempted sexual abuse of minor

BILLINGS—A Lame Deer man who admitted attempting to sexually abuse a minor was sentenced today to 10 years and one month in prison and 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jason Jay Tallbull, 39, pleaded guilty on June 18 to attempted sexual abuse of a minor.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

The prosecution said in court records that in December 2018, Tallbull and the victim, a boy between the ages of 12 and 16, were at Tallbull’s residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation. Both Tallbull and the victim were drinking. At some point, the victim tried to leave, but Tallbull made a sexually-charged comment, overpowered the victim and knocked him out. When the victim woke up, he was wearing different clothing and had injuries. He underwent a sexual assault examination.  

When interviewed by the FBI, Tallbull said he and the victim had been drinking. He did not remember exactly what occurred, but that he felt like something happened. Tallbull admitted he was probably physically attracted to the victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the FBI.

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