Former elementary school teacher admits sexual abuse of minor on Blackfeet Indian Reservation

GREAT FALLS – An East Glacier woman who taught elementary school on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation today admitted to sexually abusing two students, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Sierra Shawnee Taylor, also known as Sierra Schildt, 36, pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John T. Johnston presided and recommended Taylor’s plea be accepted by U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, who will sentence Taylor. Sentencing was set for Nov. 6.

Taylor faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and five years to life of supervised release.

In court records filed in the case, the prosecution said Taylor was employed as a teacher at the East Glacier Elementary School during the 2014-2015 school year. She taught a mixed-grade class that included some eighth-grade students. Taylor entered a sexual relationship with one of the boys, who was an eighth-grade student, and twice had intercourse with the victim. Investigators identified a second victim, also an eighth grade student, with whom Taylor committed a sexual act in 2012.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.