A Great Falls man, Lane Thomas Lamere, has admitted to charges of strangulation and child abuse on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
Lamere, aged 36, pleaded guilty to both charges and now faces potential penalties including a maximum of 10 years in prison for the strangulation charge and up to five years for felony child abuse. Additional penalties could include fines totaling $300,000 and three years of supervised release for each charge.
The case is being presided over by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris. Sentencing is scheduled for May 14, following consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Until then, Lamere has been released pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that on January 12, 2024, Lamere entered the residence of his ex-girlfriend in Box Elder on the Rocky Boy’s Reservation. Identified as Jane Doe 2 in legal documents, she was at home with a child under 14 years old referred to as Jane Doe 1. During the incident, Lamere dragged Jane Doe 2 into a bedroom and choked her before assaulting Jane Doe 1 when she entered the room.
In response to Jane Doe 2 seeking help from a neighbor who called police, both tried unsuccessfully to free the child using a snow shovel against Lamere. A Rocky Boy’s Police Department officer eventually subdued Lamere with a taser after he failed to comply with orders to release Jane Doe 1.
Both victims received treatment for their injuries at Northern Montana Hospital.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office following an investigation conducted by the Rocky Boy’s Police Department and the FBI.