FARGO, N.D. – Lynn Crooks, a former federal prosecutor who handled significant cases including the 1977 trial of activist Leonard Peltier, passed away at the age of 83, as announced by the North Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office. Crooks, who served as an assistant U.S. attorney from 1969 to 2002, led the prosecution team in Peltier’s trial in Fargo. Peltier was convicted of involvement in the shooting deaths of two FBI agents in 1975 at the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota and received a life sentence without parole.
Crooks was also involved in prosecuting Yorie Kahl and Scott Faul for a fatal shootout in 1983 near Medina, North Dakota, resulting in the deaths of two federal marshals. Yorie Kahl was the son of Gordon Kahl, linked to the anti-government Posse Comitatus group and the shootout.
Throughout his career, Crooks held various positions, including first assistant U.S. Attorney and acting U.S. attorney. In a 2000 interview with The Associated Press, he expressed his deep commitment to being a federal prosecutor, stating that it was his ultimate calling with no regrets.
In 2016, Crooks backed a ballot initiative that integrated crime victim rights into North Dakota’s state constitution. North Dakota U.S. Attorney Mac Schneider issued a statement on Monday commemorating Crooks, highlighting his dedication to tackling challenging and high-profile federal cases while also being renowned for his kindness and mentorship towards colleagues and young attorneys.
Schneider praised Crooks as arguably the most exceptional prosecutor in the history of North Dakota, emphasizing his professional achievements as well as his personal qualities that endeared him to many.
