Assault and battery in Indian Country a federal case

Striking an Indian in “Indian Country” is a federal offense, as Tammy M. Krol, 42, of Charenton, has learned.

Krol pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Tuesday, Feb. 11, to assaulting a Chitimacha Tribal Reservation resident. U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finley said the evidence showed that Krol struck a member of the Chitimacha Tribe at the victim’s residence on Sept. 11, 2013.

After arriving at the scene, police found Krol in the victim’s house. The victim said Krol had entered the home without permission, struck him during a confrontation, and tried to take the victim’s prescription pills.

Krol faces up to a year in prison, a year of supervised release, and a $100,000 fine for “assault by striking, beating or wounding in Indian Country.”

A sentencing date has not yet been set.

Jurisdiction in “Indian Country” – the archipelago of federally recognized Indian reservations – is based upon the unique sovereign relationship between the federal government and Indian tribes. Congress has criminalized certain acts that take place in Indian Country.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes cases arising in Indian Country if either the defendant or the victim is an Indian.

The Chitimacha Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.

The plea was taken by U.S. Magistrate Judge C. Michael Hill. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. McCoy prosecuted the case.