COEUR D’ALENE – According to a statement from U.S. Attorney Josh Harwitt released Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Gordon Milton Bennett Jr., 46, of Lapwai, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for domestic violence as a habitual offender.
The case against Bennett stems from a June 2023 incident in which he committed domestic violence against his wife. Court records show Bennett had been convicted of domestic violence at least twice in Nez Perce Tribal Court. Under federal criminal law, committing domestic violence on the reservation after having been convicted of domestic violence at least twice is a felony. The crime is punishable by up to five years in federal prison.
Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Bennett to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of probation, during which he will be required to participate in counseling and treatment programs and meet regularly with his federal probation officer.
U.S. Attorney Josh Harwitt stressed the importance of collaboration between tribes and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in addressing domestic violence, saying, “We must all work together to prevent the devastating trauma that victims and survivors endure from repeated abuse.”
Nez Perce Tribal Attorney Ann Kelleher emphasized the importance of cooperation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in handling cases involving violent repeat offenders like Bennett. “While the Nez Perce Tribe has been successful in prosecuting Bennett in the past, he has continued to use violence to intimidate and control his victims,” she said. “It is vital that the U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to prosecuting serious crimes on Indian reservations, sending a message that violent repeat offenders will be held accountable.”
Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI commented on the broader impact of domestic violence: “Domestic violence not only hurts the victim, but it also has long-term effects on families and communities. We want victims to know they are not alone. The FBI and our partners will work to end the cycle of abuse, bring perpetrators to justice, and protect others from this horrific crime.”
The successful prosecution of this case was the result of a collaborative effort between the Nez Perce Tribal Police, the Nez Perce Tribal Attorney’s Office, and the FBI. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Whelan.
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