A Browning man has been sentenced to over three years in prison for assaulting a woman on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Briar Joseph Crawford, 29, will serve three years and two months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
Crawford pleaded guilty in September 2024 to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. Chief U.S District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on August 6, 2023. Crawford and the victim, identified as Jane Doe, went fishing at Glacier National Park. After consuming alcohol, an argument ensued between them which escalated into a prolonged assault by Crawford on Doe. During the attack, Crawford used his belt to strangle Doe until she lost consciousness and sustained multiple injuries.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigations conducted by the FBI and Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services.