Hays man sentenced in plea deal for assault

Joe Long Knife of the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation was sentenced to eight years and four months in federal prison Monday for assault with a dangerous weapon, followed by two years on probation.

Long Knife was with the victim on Feb. 13, 2014, in Hays, according to court papers.

Long Knife and the victim got into an argument the next morning. He then dragged and kicked the victim in the head and other areas.

The victim tried to leave but Long Knife would not allow her, charging documents said.

He dragged her upstairs to his room where he put on a pornographic movie and, after having been refused sex, cut off the victim’s jeans and brutally sexually assaulted her with a white and green plastic handle until she passed out.

The victim woke up entirely naked the next day. Long Knife sexually assaulted her again.

Long Knife was initially charged with one count of kidnapping, two counts of aggravated sexual abuse and three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. He agreed May 25 to plead guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for dismissal of the other counts.