A Dodson man has pleaded guilty to the charge of strangulation on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Skychief Chiefstick Lewis, 29, admitted to the charge and now faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The case was overseen by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Brian M. Morris, who will determine Lewis's sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2025. In the meantime, Lewis remains in detention.
Court documents reveal that on September 13, 2024, an incident occurred between Lewis and Jane Doe at the reservation. During an argument initiated by Doe's illness-induced sleepiness, Lewis strangled her twice with his hands. Doe reported difficulty breathing during the assaults.
Law enforcement responded after being contacted about the incident. Officers observed a silver car leaving the scene at high speed and stopped it shortly thereafter. Doe was driving with Lewis as a passenger; officers noted redness around her face and damage to her clothing near the neck area. Subsequent examination revealed red marks and bruising on Doe’s neck.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigations conducted by both the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
