A former corrections officer has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a female inmate. Darren Bowannie, 35, received the sentence from United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke in Spokane, Washington. In addition to the prison term, Bowannie will be subject to ten years of supervised release following his incarceration.
Court documents indicate that on February 9, 2024, Bowannie was working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) as a corrections officer in Wellpinit, Washington. He was assigned to transport a female inmate from Wellpinit to the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem. During the journey, Bowannie stopped the vehicle and assaulted the restrained inmate. Upon arrival at the facility, the victim reported the incident immediately, prompting an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Despite initially denying any wrongdoing during questioning by FBI agents, DNA evidence confirmed Bowannie’s involvement.
Richard Melville, Deputy Bureau Director for BIA Office of Justice Services said: “Every person taken into custody is entitled to the protection of their physical safety and civil rights. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is dedicated to rooting out sexual misconduct committed by any individuals entrusted with public safety and ensuring those individuals are held accountable. The actions of Mr. Bowannie were a betrayal of that public trust, and we fully supported the investigation and prosecution of this intolerable act. The BIA remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals in our custody.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office stated: “Every federal law enforcement officer takes an oath to protect the people of the United States, including inmates and defendants placed in their charge. Mr. Bowannie broke that oath with a cruel and senseless act of sexual violence. The FBI remains committed in our mission to prosecute those who would abuse the power granted to them under the color of law.”
United States Attorney Pete Serrano added: “I commend the victim for coming forward and reporting the assault. Their bravery allowed the government to prosecute Mr. Bowanie and ensure he is no longer in a position of trust where he may try to commit similar conduct.”
The investigation involved several agencies including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Colville Tribal Police Department, Spokane Tribal Police Department, and Washington State Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael J. Ellis and Timothy M. Durkin prosecuted this case.
