U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
A Great Falls man has admitted to charges of strangulation and child abuse related to an incident on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. Lane Thomas Lamere, 36, pleaded guilty and now faces significant penalties, including up to 10 years in prison for the strangulation charge and five years for felony child abuse. He could also face fines totaling $300,000 and three years of supervised release for each charge.
The case is being overseen by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, with sentencing scheduled for May 14. Lamere has been released pending further proceedings.
According to court documents, the events took place on January 12, 2024, in Box Elder. Lamere reportedly entered his ex-girlfriend's home where she was present with a child under the age of 14. The government alleges that he dragged his ex-girlfriend into a bedroom and choked her. During this incident, the child entered the room and was subsequently assaulted by Lamere.
The situation escalated when the ex-girlfriend sought help from a neighbor who called law enforcement as they returned to intervene. Despite their efforts using a snow shovel, Lamere did not release the child until a police officer from Rocky Boy’s Police Department arrived and used a taser.
Both victims were taken to Northern Montana Hospital for treatment following the incident.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is handling prosecution while the investigation was conducted by Rocky Boy’s Police Department along with assistance from the FBI.
