FORT TOTTEN (trfnews.i234.me) — A Fort Totten man has signed a plea agreement in federal court after prosecutors accused him of badly beating a woman on the Spirit Lake Reservation.
Eric Herbert Hunt, 28, signed the agreement on Wednesday in U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota. The court has not yet accepted the deal.
Charge and Plea Agreement
Hunt is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Court records say the assault happened on May 12, 2025.
Prosecutors said Hunt punched a woman with his hands and fists. The attack caused heavy bruising and swelling.
Records say the woman suffered injuries to her eyes, head, neck, arms, and legs. Both Hunt and the victim are enrolled members of the Spirit Lake Tribe.
The case falls under federal jurisdiction because it happened within the boundaries of the Spirit Lake Reservation.
Under the plea deal, prosecutors will recommend a sentence within federal guidelines. They also agreed not to file more charges in this case.
Hunt could face up to 10 years in prison. He could also face a fine of up to $250,000.
Trial Canceled
Hunt had been set for a jury trial on July 14. That trial has now been canceled because of the plea agreement.
Federal prosecutors first charged Hunt in November 2025. The case followed an investigation by the FBI.
Details From the Complaint
According to the criminal complaint, the victim told investigators Hunt took her to his basement on May 8.
She said he told her she could not leave until her bruises healed. She also said he threatened to beat her if she moved.
The complaint says he then carried out that threat. The woman later escaped and made it to Spirit Lake Tribal Headquarters.
Staff there called for help.
Medical records showed the woman’s left eye was swollen shut. She also needed a cervical collar during treatment.
Separate Case Still Pending
In a separate case, D’Angelo Hunt is still scheduled for a July 14 jury trial. He faces murder and manslaughter charges.
Those charges are tied to the deaths of two other tribal members. That case remains pending in federal court.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.