A 21-year-old man from Hays, Montana, has pleaded guilty to assault charges related to an incident on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. Lane Blake Kirkaldie admitted to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of simple assault, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Kirkaldie faces up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris is presiding over the case and will determine the sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026. Kirkaldie was released under conditions pending further proceedings.
Court documents state that in the early hours of January 1, 2025, Kirkaldie attended a gathering at a house on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation with several others. Witnesses reported that an altercation occurred, leading to Kirkaldie being asked to leave the residence. Two females identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 left with him.
The group walked to a business in Lodge Pole equipped with surveillance cameras. Footage shows Kirkaldie throwing objects before lunging at Jane Doe 2 while making threatening remarks and holding a glass bottle.
Another video captures both women leaving the building with Kirkaldie following them outside. As he tried to approach Jane Doe 2 again, Jane Doe 1 intervened by positioning herself between them. After pushing her away, Kirkaldie struck Jane Doe 1 in the head with the glass bottle, causing injuries that required stitches.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
