From the Courts: Federal District Court - Defendant admits to shooting woman in the face over drug deal

Press release

GREAT FALLS — A woman suspected of shooting a woman in the face over a drug deal on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation admitted to an assault charge Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Tricia Friede Gardipee, 50, pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Gardipee faces a maximum of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other sentencing factors.

Sentencing was set for Feb. 2, 2023. Gardipee was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court document that on Aug. 13, 2021, Gardipee shot the victim, identified as Jane Doe, in the face with a .22-caliber firearm over a drug deal on the Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation.

Gardipee confronted Doe and some of her friends earlier that day in Havre. Doe picked up a brick and said she didn’t want any problems. The confrontation was because another woman ripped off Gardipee by selling her anxiety medication instead of fentanyl and Gardipee was trying to get her money back.

The government further alleged that Doe later drove with friends to a Box Elder residence. As Doe pulled into the driveway, Gardipee, along with others, pulled in behind them, blocking the car. Gardipee and her son, both armed, walked up to Doe’s car. Gardipee then shot Doe in the face. Doe was treated for injuries.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the FBI and Rocky Boy’s Police Department.