Belcourt Man Found Guilty of Assault in Fort Yates

BISMARCK—U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on December 18, 2013, Danny DeLong, 29, Belcourt, North Dakota, was convicted by a federal jury on a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon.

On December 13, 2012, Danny DeLong and co-defendant Melvin DeLong were at the Diamond Z Bar in Fort Yates. Melvin DeLong and Danny DeLong initiated an altercation with several patrons before leaving the bar. Danny DeLong continued the altercation outside the bar, while Melvin DeLong retrieved his vehicle. Melvin DeLong used his vehicle to drive over the victim twice. Danny DeLong then approached the victim, who was then unconscious, and kicked the victim in the head. The victim’s injuries required medical treatment but were not life threatening.

On July 30, 2013, Melvin DeLong, 25, Belcourt, North Dakota, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. On October 21, 2013, Melvin DeLong was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve two years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Melvin DeLong was ordered to pay restitution of $19,166.65 and to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.

Sentencing for Danny DeLong has not been scheduled.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock Agency.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Delorme is prosecuting the case.