Repeat Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violently Attacking His Girlfriend

Spokane, Washington - On October 23, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced James Edward Kensler, age 45, of Spokane, Washington to 60 months in prison for violently assaulting his girlfriend. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release. At the time of the offense, Kensler was on federal supervised release. As a penalty for the supervised release violation, Judge Rice imposed a penalty of 18 months which will be served consecutively to the 60-month sentence imposed in this case.

According to court documents and information presented during proceedings in the case, Kensler was with his girlfriend at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in May 2024. Kensler, who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, grabbed his victim by the back of the head and threw her on the ground with such force that the impact of her head hitting the couch moved two couches and a table forward.

Kensler then chased his victim through the resort. When Kensler caught his victim, he again threw her to the ground, attempted to stomp on her face, punched her in the face, slapped her, and hit her with his knee. When Kensler's victim attempted to escape a second time, he again pursued her and threw her into a closed elevator door.

In the resort parking lot, Kalispel Tribal Police Officers apprehended Kensler and provided aid to his victim. Officers noted the victim's face was swollen and that she had multiple scrapes.

"Mr. Kensler violently and repeatedly assaulted his victim, causing her severe injuries. Furthermore, Mr. Kenlser had a history of domestic violence offenses and was on federal supervised release at the time of this latest assault," stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. "Focusing our prosecutions on repeat offenders and those with prior domestic violence convictions is one of our strategies to support community safety and address the root causes underlying the MMIP crisis. My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for all victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington."

"When Mr. Kensler was taken into custody, he was treated respectfully." said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Seattle field office. "The same cannot be said of how he treated his girlfriend. This case demonstrates successful partnerships, as in this case with the Kalispel Tribal Police, we can help reduce violent crime on our state's reservations."

"We are committed to the safety and security of our guests," said Police Chief Rodney Schurger of the Kalispel Tribal Police Department. "Our officers responded swiftly to this violent incident and worked closely with the FBI to ensure that justice was served."

"The safety of our guests, Tribal Members, and team members is our top priority," said Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes. "Domestic violence and other violent crimes are growing concerns across the nation and in the Spokane region. We are thankful for the prompt actions of our Tribal Police Department and the FBI's involvement in this case. We also appreciate the U.S. Attorney's Office for their dedication to prosecuting violent offenders like Mr. Kensler and helping to keep our communities safe."

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Kalispel Tribal Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.

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