Rodney Alan Signor, a 49-year-old resident of Inchelium, Washington, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice after Signor pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner in Indian Country.
Court documents and information presented during the sentencing hearing revealed that on June 9, 2022, Signor assaulted his intimate partner. The assault involved striking the victim, causing bruising, strangling her until she lost consciousness, gagging her, threatening her with a knife, and expressing intent to kill.
Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker commented on the case: “This case raised serious concerns for the victim’s safety, and I’m incredibly proud of the FBI’s swift and decisive response once the crime came to light.” He emphasized the office’s commitment to protecting victims and holding domestic abusers accountable through aggressive prosecution.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office stated: “Mr. Signor treated his former partner reprehensibly, endangering her safety in multiple violent attacks. We hope this sentence sends a clear message to Mr. Signor and others like him that violent crime will not be tolerated.”
The case highlights broader issues concerning domestic violence among Native American women who face some of the highest rates of such violence in the U.S., with nonfatal strangulation being particularly common. Despite often leaving few visible signs of injury, nonfatal strangulation can have severe consequences and is considered an indicator of potential future homicide risk.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Colville Tribal Police Department. Prosecution was led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.
