Makah Tribal Member Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Knife Attack

            An enrolled member of the Makah Tribe was sentenced today to 33 months in prison and three years of supervised release for assault with a dangerous weapon, announced U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan.  KENNETH A. WARD, 44, was taken into federal custody on December 26, 2013, following the assault on Makah Tribal land.  At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert J. Bryan said, “When you're drinking, you're a danger to your community and a danger to your family . . . .  This was an inch away from a murder case . . . you're in luck you weren't successful with the swing of your knife.”

            According to records filed in the case, on December 22, 2013, WARD showed up at the apartment of the victim and accused the victim of stealing his jacket.  After punching the victim in the face, WARD pulled out a knife with a 2-3 inch blade, and slashed and cut the victim’s chin, narrowly missing the victim’s throat.  The assault resulted in the victim having to receive medical treatment and four internal and four external stitches to his wounds.

            WARD pleaded guilty in May 2014.

            The case was investigated by the Neah Bay Department of Public Safety and the FBI.

            The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Tate London and Ye-Ting Woo.