NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — A 42-year-old woman from Belcourt has been sentenced to 50 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, $300 in special assessment fees, and ordered to pay $1,302 in restitution for child abuse in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischief. The initial case of child abuse was reported to law enforcement in Belcourt by the victim, her daughter, around New Year's Day of 2021. The minor female said she got into an argument with her mother, which escalated into a physical dispute during which the defendant threw an empty beer bottle at her daughter. She then pushed a pillow into her daughter's face. The minor female went to the emergency room, and injuries were noted that matched her description of the assault. In September 2022, a video of the incident came out, depicting it as described by the victim. The video was provided to Turtle Mountain Child Welfare, who sent it to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Fargo Police Department responds to officer-involved shooting During the investigation of child abuse, the FBI was made aware of the defendant assaulting an adult female in January 2023. She allegedly kicked the woman multiple times while the victim was on the ground, and medical records indicated the woman who was assaulted suffered fractured ribs and a concussion.On June 28, 2024, after a four-day jury trial, the defendant was convicted of child abuse in Indian Country, assault with a dangerous weapon, and malicious mischief. That same day, the defendant requested to contact her daughter, but was denied by a district court judge. Despite the Court’s order, she still contacted the minor while she was incarcerated. The United States Attorney's Office announced the sentence after the woman appeared in federal court today. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to public safety in Indian county [sic],especially when it comes to protecting kids,” United States Attorney Mac Schneider said. “As this sentence shows, child abuse is a serious crime. The career prosecutors who skillfully tried this case and our partners in the FBI and BIA [Bureau of Indian Affairs] who investigated it deserve credit for providing accountability and ensuring justice was served.” Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW