A Lodge Grass man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a child on the Crow Indian Reservation. The sentence, handed down on December 18, will be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
Marty Edward Plenty Hawk, aged 30, admitted guilt in August to charges of aggravated sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact with a child as outlined in an indictment. The case was presided over by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters.
"Plenty Hawk manipulated and subjected the victim, a child, to years of sexual abuse," stated U.S. Attorney Laslovich. "I am relieved he will serve extensive time in federal prison because his repeated conduct toward this child was unconscionable. Our office and law enforcement partners have no greater responsibility than to protect kids by holding dangerous people accountable."
Court documents revealed that between 2021 and May 2023 near Lodge Grass on the Crow Indian Reservation, Plenty Hawk forced the victim, identified as Jane Doe 1 and under the age of 12, into engaging in sexual acts and conduct. Law enforcement arrested Plenty Hawk on May 2, 2023, following a domestic disturbance at his residence. While detained, he confessed in writing to having a sexual relationship with Jane Doe 1.
A subsequent examination confirmed injuries consistent with child sexual abuse. During an interview with law enforcement officials, Plenty Hawk again admitted to having engaged in multiple instances of sexual intercourse with Jane Doe 1.
The prosecution was led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigative efforts conducted by the FBI and BIA.