Yakama Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Sexual Abuse in Indian Country of an Incapacitated Teenager

Yakima, Washington - Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 14, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Darius Morningstar Speedis, age 20, of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, to 72 months in federal prison for Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 10 years of supervised release and required Speedis to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in early November 2022, Speedis sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Native American woman who had become intoxicated and incapacitated. The assault occurred after several teenagers, including the victim and Speedis, consumed alcohol - at least some of which was provided by Speedis. The sexual assault occurred on the Yakama Nation.

Although the victim had no independent recollection of the sexual assault, Speedis had recorded the assault and then sent a video to the victim. That video, however, later was deleted and was not recovered by law enforcement.

At sentencing, Judge Dimke took into account the abuse of trust involved in the sexual assault, including the recording of the sexual assault, as well as Speedis' age and reported remorse before pronouncing sentence. Judge Dimke also noted the "epidemic" of sexual abuse occurring on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.

"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. My office will continue working closely with our Tribal partners to hold offenders accountable and support survivors on their path to healing."

"Not only did Mr. Speedis sexually assault this victim, he recorded that assault and then sent it to her." said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. "I hope his acknowledgement of guilt can aid in the victim's recovery from this disturbing episode. The FBI is committed to justice for Native Women, who too often are targets of crimes of violence."

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.

1:24-cr-02043-MKD.