BISMARCK, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A federal judge sentenced former McLean County sheriff’s deputy Roman Sobottke to “time served” on Wednesday, July 24, in connection with a domestic violence case on the Fort Berthold Reservation. Sobottke pleaded guilty to assaulting his wife by strangulation on December 25, 2018. The case, delayed for years due to Sobottke’s wife’s initial reluctance to press charges, was reopened after she recorded a video in which Sobottke admitted to the assault.
Despite the maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and government prosecutors seeking a two-year sentence, Sobottke’s defense argued for leniency, citing his efforts to change his life, including quitting drinking and maintaining a positive relationship with his wife. Judge Daniel Traynor agreed with the defense, noting that Sobottke’s felony conviction will prevent him from serving as a police officer or owning firearms, which the judge considered sufficient punishment. Sobottke will not serve additional prison time.