Belcourt Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter

BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Timothy Q. Purdon announced that on Jan. 7, 2013, Koleman J. Gourneau, 30, of Belcourt, N.D., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. Gourneau pleaded guilty to the charge on Sept. 24, 2012.

Judge Hovland sentenced Gourneau to four years and nine months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Gourneau was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Vcitim’s Fund.

On Oct. 12, 2011, Gourneau left Betty’s Bar, located west of Belcourt on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, driving his Ford Bronco. At the time, Gourneau was under the influence of intoxicating liquor. Shortly after leaving the bar, Gourneau’s vehicle struck a person, causing significant injuries to her which resulted in her death.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Turtle Mountain Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the N.D. Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the N.D. Highway Patrol.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell prosecuted the case.