Habitual Domestic Violence Sends Lapwai Man to Federal Prison

COEUR D'ALENE – Gordon Milton Bennett, Jr., 46, of Lapwai, was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for domestic assault by habitual offender, U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today.

According to court records, in June 2023 Bennett committed a domestic assault against his wife.  The investigation found that Bennett had at least two prior convictions in Nez Perce Tribal Court for domestic violence.  Federal criminal law makes it a felony offense to commit a domestic assault within the borders of a reservation if a defendant has at least two prior convictions for domestic assault.  The maximum penalty for the offense is up to five years in federal prison.  Chief U.S. District Court Judge David C. Nye also sentenced Bennett to three years of supervised release after his release from prison.  During that time Bennett will be required to comply with the terms and conditions of his supervised release which include counseling and treatment as well as regular meetings with his federal probation officer. 

“I am grateful for the collaboration that allows the Tribe and our office to fight against domestic violence,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit.  “We must all work to prevent the distressing trauma that victims and survivors endure from repeated abuse.”

Nez Perce Tribe’s Prosecuting Attorney, Anne Kelleher, underscores the benefit of the Tribe’s partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to address repeat violent offenders like Bennett.  “Though the Nez Perce Tribe has successfully prosecuted Bennett in the past, he continued to use violence to terrorize and control victims.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office’s continued commitment to prosecuting major crimes in Indian Country is crucial and sends a message that violent repeat offenders will be held accountable.”

“Domestic violence not only harms the victim but has a long-lasting impact on families and communities too,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI.  “We want victims to know they are not alone.  The FBI and our partners will work to help end the cycle of abuse, bring offenders to justice, and protect others from this horrible crime.”

U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit commended the joint work of the Nez Perce Tribal Police, the Nez Perce Tribal Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI, which led to the charge.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci Whelan prosecuted this case.

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