Idaho State News

Habitual Domestic Violence Sends Lapwai Man to Federal Prison

July 31, 2024

(COEUR D’ALENE, ID) – 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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