Ryan James Parker Pleads Guilty In U.S. Federal Court

The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Great Falls, on January 2, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon, RYAN JAMES PARKER, a 26-year-old resident of Box Elder and an enrolled member of the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, pled guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Sentencing has been set for April 1, 2013. He is currently detained.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danna R. Jackson, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

On June 14, 2012, near Box Elder on the Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation, PARKER caused a collision between the vehicle he was driving and another vehicle in which an individual died.

PARKER was intoxicated at the time of the collision. According to tribal law enforcement, PARKER was arrested immediately following the collision and given a Breathalyzer test. The result showed his blood alcohol content was .25. The Airbag Control Module report indicated that PARKER was driving 91 mph at -5 seconds prior to the collision and 63 mph at -2 seconds prior to the collision. The posted speed limit on this area was 35 miles per hour.

PARKER faces possible penalties of 8 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and lifetime supervision.

The investigation was conducted by a cooperative effort between the Montana Highway Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Chippewa Cree Law Enforcement.