A man from Box Elder has pleaded guilty to charges of sexually abusing a minor on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Peter Maxwell Houle, 35, admitted to the charge of sexual abuse of a minor. He is facing a potential sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to life of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will decide the final sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. The sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025. Houle remains detained pending further court proceedings.
Court documents reveal that law enforcement was alerted in December 2023 about a possible sexual relationship involving Jane Doe, an underage girl. During a forensic interview, Doe disclosed that her "relationship" with Houle began around late June or early July 2022 when she was 15 and Houle was 34.
Doe stated they communicated through Facebook Messenger where she informed Houle of her age. In these messages, Houle asked if she wanted to have sex with him. Around July 4, 2022, Houle visited Doe's house where they engaged in sexual intercourse.
Their sexual relationship continued over the summer and by August 2022, Houle had moved into Doe's home. Although aware and disapproving of their relationship, Doe’s family allowed him to stay as he helped with household tasks. Doe turned 16 in 2023 while their relationship persisted.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following an investigation conducted by the FBI.
