Lame Deer man admits attempting to sexual abuse minor

BILLINGS – A Lame Deer man today admitted allegations that he attempted to sexually abuse a minor in 2018, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jason Jay Tallbull, 39, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual abuse of a minor. Tallbull faces a maximum 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and at least five years to a lifetime of supervised release.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. Tallbull was detained pending further proceedings.

The prosecution said in court records that Tallbull and the victim, a boy who was between the ages of 12 and 16, were at Tallbull's residence on the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation in December 2018. Tallbull was drunk and the victim joined him in the basement, where both were drinking and talking. At some point, the victim tried to leave, but Tallbull made a sexually-charged comment and grabbed the victim's hand to pull him close. The victim tried to resist and hit Tallbull, but Tallbull overpowered the victim and knocked him out.  

The victim woke up on Tallbull's bed and was not wearing the same clothes. The victim had injuries on various areas of his body and underwent a sexual assault examination. Law enforcement responded to Tallbull's house. Blood samples from Tallbull's mattress belonged to both the victim and Tallbull.

When interviewed by the FBI, Tallbull said he and the victim had been drinking in the basement. He said he did not remember exactly what occurred, but that he felt like something happened. Tallbull admitted he was probably physically attracted to the victim.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Dake is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI.