U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten announced that Ronald Burt Krull, 56, of Kinross, Michigan, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner.

“The harsh reality is that millions of Americans live in fear of domestic violence every day,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “My office stands with victims and will continue to do everything we can to protect them and work with law enforcement partners to hold their abusers accountable.”

Krull is the sixth defendant convicted of domestic violence crimes in the past six months after being charged by the Northern Division of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. Previously, the Court sentenced the following defendants:

• On June 5, 2024, Steven Webster (31) of Green Bay, Wisconsin was sentenced to 60 months in prison for domestic assault by a habitual offender.
• On June 26, 2024, Jacob Wolf (28) of Marquette, Michigan was sentenced to 38 months in prison for domestic assault by a habitual offender.
• On July 18, 2024, Eric Halfaday (39) of Wilson, Michigan was sentenced to 24 months in prison for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner.
• On September 5, 2024, Jaden Plank (25) of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assault by strangulation of an intimate partner.
• On November 18, 2024, Jason Michael Noguess (33) of Delta County, Michigan was sentenced to 33 months for assault by suffocation of an intimate partner.

“Today’s sentencing of violent felon Ronald Krull underscores the FBI’s commitment to investigating domestic violence crimes on federal fiduciary grounds,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, FBI Special Agent in Charge in Michigan. “Members of the Michigan FBI, in partnership with the Sault Tribal Police Department and the US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, worked diligently to investigate and bring Mr. Krull to justice. Domestic violence is a terrible crime, and the FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect victims and keep Michigan communities safe.”

The FBI, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community Police, Sault Tribal Police Department, Hannahville Police Department, Marquette City Police investigated the cases.

Domestic violence happens across the country every day. It affects victims and witnesses physically, psychologically and socially. Unlike many crimes, domestic violence often involves years of emotional and psychological trauma, as well as physical violence that becomes more frequent and more severe over time.

Unfortunately, many victims do not consider themselves victims and do not realize that domestic violence is a crime committed against them. Local law enforcement officers, child and family service workers, community leaders, educators, coaches, parents, siblings, and loved ones all play a critical role in identifying, intervening, and providing treatment in cases of domestic violence.

Additional information and resources related to domestic violence can be found at the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, Domestic Violence Web Pageas well as through StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483) and Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (1-855-863-2374).

If you or a family member has been or is affected by domestic violence, please contact your local law enforcement and domestic violence agency.