A Poplar man has been sentenced to 57 months in prison after admitting to robbery following a carjacking incident on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Brandon Lee Romero, aged 30, will also serve three years of supervised release.

Romero pleaded guilty to the charge of robbery in August 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case.

According to court documents, on April 14, 2023, John Doe was contacted by his sister who requested him to pick up Romero and give him a ride as she did not want him at her residence. John Doe agreed and used his father’s truck for the task. During the ride to Poplar on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Romero allegedly pulled out two knives after exiting the truck. As John Doe attempted to drive away, Romero jumped into the truck bed, kicked out the back window, climbed inside and stabbed John Doe. Afterward, Romero took control of the vehicle and drove it into Williams County near Williston, North Dakota.

Law enforcement arrested Romero later that day following a high-speed chase during which he drove into a ditch to avoid spike strips set up by authorities. He submerged the vehicle in a creek before fleeing on foot and eventually surrendering.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office handled prosecution while Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services, Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and Williston Police Department conducted investigations related to this case.