U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced that Fleet Patrick Matt, 49, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for one count of abusive sexual contact. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice on January 15, 2025. In addition to the prison term, Matt will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release.
Court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing revealed that Matt sexually abused a child on the Kalispel Reservation in September 2022. During the investigation, more individuals came forward with allegations of abuse by Matt, some dating back several years.
"My heart breaks for the victims in this case. I am grateful for their courage to come forward and engage with law enforcement to seek justice," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. "Children deserve to live in a world where they feel safe -- free from abuse and the fear of abuse."
Waldref acknowledged the joint efforts of multiple agencies: "Mr. Matt was held accountable due to the joint efforts of the FBI, the Kalispel Tribal Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the community."
On November 3, 2022, Fleet Matt was banished from all Tribal lands by the Kalispel Tribal Court. Curt Holmes, Vice Chair of the Kalispel Tribal Council said: "Fleet Matt acted in a nature that is offensive to the morals of the people of the Reservation."
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from FBI's Seattle field office commented on providing justice: “Being able to provide justice to victims of crimes is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in law enforcement.”
The case was investigated by both FBI and Kalispel Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick.