South Dakota man found guilty of sexual abuse at Fort Belknap Reservation

A federal jury in Great Falls has convicted Farron Gene American Horse, Sr., a 40-year-old South Dakota resident, for sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact involving two victims at the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

The jury reached a guilty verdict after a two-day trial. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the proceedings. American Horse now faces potential penalties, including a life sentence, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release ranging from five years to life. The sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2025, and until then, he will remain in custody.

“Protecting the public on our Native American reservations has been, and remains, a top priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office here in Montana, especially vulnerable victims like those in this case. The defendant’s decision to abuse the children he was supposed to be caring for, is abhorrent and tragic. The jury’s guilty verdict should serve as a warning to others who would abuse others that they will be caught and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. I want to thank the Assistant U. S. Attorneys and staff in our office, and the law enforcement agents from the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services for their hard work on the case.” U.S. Attorney Alme stated.

The case presented by the government detailed incidents occurring in September and October 2020, when American Horse was residing with a woman and her family in Hays on the reservation. He was reported to have engaged in sexual abuse with one victim, referred to as Jane Doe 1, during an overnight stay at the residence. Jane Doe 2, another victim, reported a similar incident occurring weeks prior at the same location. Both victims were under 16 years old at the time.

The prosecution was managed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, with investigations conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.