Press Release
Contact:
JEFF J. DAVIS
ASSISTANT U.S. ATTORNEY
PHONE: (616) 456-2404
BAY MILLS MAN SENTENCED TO 96 MONTHS IN PRISON
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9, 2009 -
MARQUETTE, Michigan – Eric Michael Verwiebe, age 29, of Brimley, Michigan, was
sentenced to 96 months (8 years) in prison for the assault of his girlfriend on the Bay Mills
Indian Community Reservation that resulted in serious bodily injury, U.S. Attorney Donald A.
Davis announced today. In addition to the term in prison, Senior U.S. District Judge R. Allan
Edgar ordered Verwiebe to serve 3 years supervised release, pay a special assessment of
$100.00, and have no further contact with the victim or victim’s family. Verwiebe had pled
guilty in September.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on July 4, 2007, in which Verwiebe assaulted his girlfriend for hours over the course of the evening. The victim personally appeared at the sentencing and addressed the Court and Verwiebe, describing the physical, mental and emotional problems that have arisen for her as a result of the assault. In sentencing Verwiebe to the maximum sentence, the Court referenced the victim’s continued fear of Verwiebe and the physical and emotional injuries she has incurred as a result of the assault.
U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Marquette, Michigan, and the Bay Mills Tribal Police. In conjunction with another domestic violence case, U.S. Attorney Davis noted that “the eleven federally recognized Tribes in the Western District of Michigan should understand that this Office will work closely with them to vigorously enforce federal law in Indian Country to ensure that their communities are safe.” This case was prosecuted on behalf of the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff J. Davis.
END
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