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Press Release

Washington Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Girlfriend on the Colville Indian Reservation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington
Nespelem Man Sentenced in Federal Court

Spokane – William D. Hyslop, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington announced that Stephen Seymour, 20, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, was sentenced today after having pleaded guilty on July 23, 2020, to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate or Dating Partner in Indian Country. United States District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Seymour to a 5 year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 3 year term of court supervision after he is released from federal prison.

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, Seymour repeatedly assaulted his girlfriend over a three-day period, striking, punching, and strangling her. During the assault, Seymour brandished a firearm and knife, causing bodily injury, including multiple cuts, bruising to her face, and a broken nose. At one point, the victim attempted to escape from Seymour with their shared child. The victim made it to the other side of the street before Seymour tackled, strangled, and dragged her back inside the house. Police arrived shortly thereafter and arrested Seymour after a relative requested a welfare check on the home.

United States Attorney Hyslop said, “This sentence reflects how serious the crime of domestic violence is. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Colville Tribal Police Department are committed to investigating and prosecuting violent crimes against Native American Women.”

This case was investigated by the Spokane Resident Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tribal Law Enforcement Department of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Police. This case was prosecuted by Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney, and Michael L. Vander Giessen, Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

Updated October 22, 2020

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 2:19-CR-189-RMP-1