Nespelem Man Sentenced for Shooting

SPOKANE—Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Robert L. Picard, age 19, of Nespelem, Washington, was sentenced to 84 months in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Robert Picard will be under court supervision for three years after he is released from prison.

On September 19, 2009, Colville Tribal Police received a call that individuals in Nespelem were firing a gun from a vehicle at other vehicles and individuals. Nespelem is located within the Colville Indian Reservation. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that Robert Picard and John Edward McGinnis, age 24, had fired several rounds from a .22 caliber Smith and Wesson semi-automatic pistol. Fortunately, nobody was injured in during the incident. Both Picard and McGinnis are enrolled members of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. On November 23, 2010, John McGinnis pleaded guilty to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon. His sentencing is scheduled for April 6, 2011.

Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “This type of violent crime will not be tolerated. Violent crime in Indian Country is unacceptable and our office is committed to holding those who commit these crimes responsible for their actions."

This investigation was conducted by the Colville Tribal Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Matthew F. Duggan, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

10-CR-020-LRS