FORT HALL — A Fort Hall man was sentenced Tuesday to over 17 years in federal prison for sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl on the Fort Hall Reservation.

U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced in the Tuesday news release that Shone Jem Bache, 47, was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge David C. Nye for abusive sexual contact with a child under 12 years of age.

Nye also ordered Bache to serve five years of supervised release following his prison term. Bache will be required to register as a sex offender.

The investigation began after the child disclosed to family members and school staff that Bache had sexually abused her, the release said.

She reported multiple instances of abuse occurring on the reservation. The FBI and Fort Hall Police Department investigated and were able to corroborate aspects of the victim’s account through physical evidence and witness statements.

“I hope this outcome provides some closure and justice to the victim and her family,” Davis said. “I am grateful for the partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort Hall Police Department and their dedication to identifying and investigating those who commit egregious acts of sexual abuse on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation.”

Robert Bohls, special agent in charge of the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, said the sentence sends a clear message.

“No punishment can ever undo the trauma inflicted on a child or erase the lifelong impact of these crimes, but we hope this offers some comfort on their journey toward healing,” Bohls said. “Children deserve to grow up safe. Alongside our Tribal and law enforcement partners, the FBI will never stop fighting to protect the most vulnerable and bring offenders to justice.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kassandra McGrady and Justin Paskett as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.