Wapato Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact Sexual Contact with a Minor

Spokane – Today, Joseph H. Harrington, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Numa Jay Speedis, age 64, of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation, for Abusive Sexual Contact with a Minor. Speedis pled guilty to the offense on March 2, 2017. Judge Bastian sentenced him to a 15-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a life-term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison. Speedis will be required to register as a sex offender.

According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, on December 18, 2016, Speedis engaged in sexual contact with a minor. The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted an expedient and thorough investigation. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement learned that Speedis had molested another child approximately five years ago, and had molested a third victim approximately 20 years ago.

Harrington said, “I commend the victim for her courage in disclosing the traumatic events related to Speedis’ appalling acts. I also commend the victim’s family for their unwavering support of her and the prosecution of this case. I acknowledge the thorough investigation of this case and exemplary working relationship demonstrated by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners understand the profound importance of protecting the children who live within the Eastern District of Washington. The United States Attorney’s Office will continue to prosecute and seek lengthy sentences to remove dangerous sex offenders from our communities.”

This investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Tom Hanlon, an Assistance United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.