A man from Hays, Montana, has pleaded guilty to assault charges following an incident on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. According to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme, Lane Blake Kirkaldie, 21, admitted guilt to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault.
Kirkaldie could face up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris is overseeing the case and will determine the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal factors. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026. Kirkaldie was released under conditions pending further proceedings.
Court documents state that in the early hours of January 1, 2025, Kirkaldie attended a gathering at a house on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation with several others. Witnesses reported an altercation that led to Kirkaldie being asked to leave. Two women identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 left with him.
The group walked to a business in Lodge Pole monitored by surveillance cameras. Video footage showed Kirkaldie throwing objects before lunging at Jane Doe 2 while making threatening remarks and holding a glass bottle.
Another video captured both women leaving the building with Kirkaldie following them outside. When he tried to approach Jane Doe 2 again, Jane Doe 1 intervened by placing herself between them so Jane Doe 2 could return inside safely. After pushing her aside, Kirkaldie struck Jane Doe 1 on the head with the glass bottle, causing an injury that required stitches.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
"Kurt G. Alme said: 'A Hays man accused of assaulting two females on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges today.'"
