A federal jury has convicted a South Dakota man of crimes related to the sexual abuse of two victims on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme disclosed the court's decision, which found Farron Gene American Horse, Sr., 40, guilty of sexual abuse and abusive sexual contact.
Following a two-day trial, the jury determined the verdict based on charges outlined in an indictment. American Horse, on the more serious count of sexual abuse, faces a potential life sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release period ranging from five years to life. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the trial, with sentencing set for July 17, 2025. American Horse will remain in custody until further proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Alme emphasized the importance of public protection on Native American reservations, stating, "Protecting the public on our Native American reservations has been, and remains, a top priority for the Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office here in Montana, especially vulnerable victims like those in this case."
American Horse's actions, according to the trial allegations and court documents, took place in September and October 2020 in Hays. During that period, he resided with a woman and her family at Hays and was involved in caring for the children. In October 2020, one victim, referred to as Jane Doe 1, who was between 12 and 15 years old, revealed the abuse while staying overnight at the woman’s residence. Another victim, identified as Jane Doe 2, within the same age range, also disclosed being touched while she was sleeping at the same house.
The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office, with the investigation conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.