PORTLAND, OR—William Clements, Sr., 44, of the Warm Springs Indian Reservation, was sentenced today to 21 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael W. Mosman. In November 2014, Clements pled guilty to the felony offense of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Clements has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest in May of 2014.

“The epidemic of domestic violence in Tribal Nations must stop,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Billy J. Williams. “Mr. Clements’ crime caused serious and dangerous injuries to his wife. But we know that domestic violence also negatively impacts children, families, and the entire community.”

After Clements has completed his 21 months in prison, he must serve three years of federal supervised release. While on supervised release, Clements will be required to attend drug and alcohol rehabilitation, participate in mental health treatment, and successfully complete a domestic violence counseling program.

According to the public filings in the case, on May 16, 2014, Clements intentionally assaulted his wife, causing her to suffer serious physical injuries. The investigation began when the Warm Springs Police Department responded to a report of domestic violence. The police found the victim at home, and she described how Clements had slammed her into the ground and repeatedly hit her. The victim suffered bruising and lacerations from the assault, and she was transported to the St. Charles Medical Center in Madras for treatment. Clements had fled the scene before the police arrived, but he was arrested the following week. During an interview with the police, Clements admitted to hitting the victim with his fists and elbows, and kicking her with his feet. Clements also confessed to pulling the victim by her hair.

Prior to imposing his sentence, Judge Mosman addressed Clements. “I think a man beating his wife is a terrible thing,” said Judge Mosman. “So I take that crime very seriously.”

The case was investigated by the Warm Springs Police Department and FBI Special Agents in Bend. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig J. Gabriel prosecuted the case.