- Details
- By Levi Rickert
MANDAN, N.D. — Standing Rock Water Protector Red Fawn Fallis, a Denver, Colorado resident, was sentenced to 57 months in prison on Wednesday afternoon. She was given credit for the 18 months she has already served. After her release, Fallis will be on a three-year supervised probation period. Her release will include a drug and alcohol treatment program.
Chief Judge Daniel Hovland said he is recommending Fallis be held in a prison in either Phoenix or Tucson, Arizona.
Fallis was arrested on October 27, 2016 at an incident at Standing Rock. She was one of more than 140 people arrested in a violent clash with law enforcement led by the Morton County Sheriff’s Department protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. Out of the more than 400 people that have been arrested protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline since the beginning of August of 2016, Fallis faced the most serious charges.
In January 2018, Fallis made a plea of guilty for civil disorder and possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, was to be sentenced on Monday, June 25, 2018. Due to the illness of the judge, her sentencing was delayed until today.
Under the agreement, prosecutors agreed to recommend a sentence of no more than seven years in prison, although the judge does have the authority to go as high as 10 years on these charges. There is no minimum sentence. If the judge decides not to accept the agreement the case will continue to trial on all three charges.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Forwards Patrice Kunesh's Nomination to Chair The National Indian Gaming Commission to Senate for a Vote
Tribal Leaders Press Lawmakers for Solutions to Solve MMIW Crisis
Mary Peltola, First Alaska Native Member of Congress, Defeated by Trump-backed Candidate Nick Begich
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
