Victor Michael Thompson, a tribal councilman for the Fort Peck Tribes who faced multiple charges after an altercation with law enforcement during a traffic stop, has been convicted of two felonies.
Thompson, who has been a tribal councilman since October 2011, was pulled over on Aug. 6 and was reportedly intoxicated. Police found two empty alcohol bottles in his car and ordered him out of the vehicle.
The report stated Thompson was extremely resistant and attempted to hit the officer while he was physically removed from his vehicle.
Thompson was charged with resisting arrest, assaulting a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, failure to carry proof of insurance, driving with a suspended or revoked license and a second-time offense of driving under the influence.
The Fort Peck Journal reported Thompson was convicted of amended charges of attempted assault and threats or other improper influence in official and political matters, both felonies.
When Thompson was originally charged, it sparked community interest in whether or not he would be able to remain a tribal councilman. Eyes were already on Thompson following a previous DUI charge stemming from an incident in Terry earlier in the year.
The constitution and bylaws of the Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes of the Fort Peck Indian states a person can only be removed for a legal indiscretion if it is a felony. The Fort Peck Journal reported Thompson would in fact have to leave his government position since he was in fact found guilty of a felony and will not be allowed to run for a tribal political office in the future.
The Fort Peck Journal stated Thompson is currently released on special conditions and will be sentenced in February or March.