Pryor Man Receives Two-Year Sentence for Strangulation and Assault

BILLINGS, MT — A Pryor man, Thomas Larson Medicinehorse III, was sentenced today to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release after admitting to strangling and assaulting his dating partner, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Medicinehorse III, 19, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to charges of strangulation and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a dating or intimate partner. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case.

According to court documents, on February 5, 2024, Medicinehorse and the victim, identified only as Jane Doe, were involved in a dispute that escalated to physical violence, during which Medicinehorse strangled Doe, causing her vision to darken and making it impossible for her to breathe.

The altercation continued the following day, when Medicinehorse struck Doe multiple times on her face, arms, and legs. This assault resulted in severe bruising and swelling around her right eye, along with various other bruises across her body.

“The consequences faced by Mr. Medicinehorse are a result of serious and violent acts that must be addressed to protect individuals and the community,” said U.S. Attorney Alme. “This case underscores our commitment to prosecuting violent domestic offenders and ensuring justice for victims.”

The case was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with the support of the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office. It falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crimes. The program emphasizes collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve.

Since the strategic enhancement of PSN in May 2021, efforts have aimed to foster trust and legitimacy within communities, support violence prevention organizations, and implement strategic enforcement priorities while evaluating the impact.

For further information on Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.