Martha Mae Mitchell Pleads Guilty in U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney’s Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on July 16, 2013, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Keith Strong, Martha Mae Mitchell, a 57-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the Chippewa Cree Tribe, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Sentencing has been set for October 22, 2013. She is currently detained.

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

On January 23, 2013, Mitchell became frustrated when a 9-month-old child would not stop crying. Mitchell told law enforcement that she twisted the baby’s legs and both arms, causing injuries to them. Mitchell further told law enforcement that she was “shocked and disgusted” at herself. The crime occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

Medical evidence would have shown that the victim suffered fractures to all four of the baby’s limbs. The victim was hospitalized for a week. The medical evidence would also show that the victim sustained additional injuries that may not be attributed to Mitchell’s conduct.

Mitchell faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years’ supervised release.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.