Yakima, Washington – Darius Morningstar Speedis, a 20-year-old member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, has been sentenced to 72 months in federal prison. The sentencing, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker, was made by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke on April 14, 2025. Speedis was convicted of Sexual Abuse in Indian Country, with additional penalties including 10 years of supervised release and mandatory sex offender registration.
Court records indicate that in early November 2022, Speedis sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Native American teenager who was intoxicated and incapacitated. The incident took place on the Yakama Nation, after a group of teenagers, including Speedis, consumed alcohol—some of which Speedis provided. Though the victim had no memory of the assault, Speedis had recorded the event and sent the video to the victim. However, the recording was later deleted and was irretrievable by authorities.
Judge Dimke considered several factors during sentencing, including the breach of trust involved, the act of recording the assault, Speedis’ age, and his expressed remorse. She also referenced the prevailing issue of sexual abuse on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation, describing it as an “epidemic.”
“Sexual violence has no place in any community, and it is especially devastating when it targets vulnerable victims and occurs within communities already impacted by an epidemic of abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Speedis’ conduct and our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault."
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, highlighted the gravity of Speedis’ actions, stating, “Not only did Mr. Speedis sexually assault this victim, he recorded that assault and then sent it to her.” Herrington expressed hope that Speedis’ acknowledgment of guilt might aid the victim's recovery. He reiterated the FBI's commitment to seeking justice for Native Women, who often face violence.
The investigation of the case was undertaken by the Federal Bureau of Investigation alongside the Yakama Nation Police Department. Prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.