Peace Garden News

Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that Tierra Lynn Scott, 31, from Tokio, ND, received a sentence of 168 months in federal prison. This includes the statutory maximum of 96 months for involuntary manslaughter and an additional 24 months for each of three child neglect counts. The sentencing was carried out by Chief Judge Peter D. Welte at the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota. Scott will also serve three years of supervised release and is required to pay restitution for funeral-related expenses.

The case stems from an incident on August 17, 2024, when law enforcement responded to a residence in Fort Totten, North Dakota. An adult male was found dead after being struck and run over by a vehicle driven by Scott. It was discovered that Scott had no driver’s license and was under the influence of alcohol while possessing controlled substances and drug paraphernalia. She was driving recklessly with three minor children in the vehicle.

“In August 2024, a man lost his life due to the negligence of Tierra Scott,” said FBI Minneapolis Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. “She also placed three minor children at risk, driving with them while under the influence of alcohol and in possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia."

“This was an entirely preventable death which was tragically witnessed by others," stated Acting US Attorney Jennifer Puhl. "Sadly, in recent years law enforcement has responded to increased incidents of alcohol-impaired driving deaths on the Spirit Lake Reservation."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Lori H. Conroy prosecuted the case.