Leland Whitefeather, Sr., 77, was sentenced to 66 months in prison for the sexual abuse of a minor, United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced on July 15. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Laura M. Provinzino.
Whitefeather admitted to knowingly engaging in sexual acts with multiple minors while acting as their caretaker at his home within the boundaries of the Red Lake Indian Reservation between 2009 and 2019. Upon release from custody, Whitefeather will be placed on sex offender supervision for five years.
“There’s not a higher priority for our office than protecting children. We will continue working closely with the FBI, the Red Lake Police Department, and all of our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who prey on the innocent,” said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.
“The FBI has no tolerance for child sexual abuse,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Leland Whitefeather, Sr. admitted to the sexual abuse of three children on multiple occasions during the span of over nine years. His sentence to federal prison is deserved. The FBI and our partners with the Red Lake Tribal Police work diligently every day to protect the community and the children of the Red Lake Nation. We hope this sentence can be part of the healing process for this defendant’s victims and their families.”
This case was investigated by both the FBI and Red Lake Tribal Police Department.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota prosecutes federal crimes, handles civil litigation for the government, protects community safety through public safety initiatives and outreach, operates under the U.S. Department of Justice, employs about 140 people including more than 70 attorneys, uses facilities in Minneapolis and St. Paul federal courthouses, and serves all regions through its headquarters and branch offices, according to the official website.