A member of the Lummi Nation has been indicted for assault by strangulation, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Marc Cagey Oreiro, 48, pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in federal court. The trial is set for August 25, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lauren King.
Court records indicate that on May 23, 2025, Oreiro allegedly assaulted the victim in a home located on Lummi Nation tribal land. He reportedly pushed the victim onto a bed and alternated between strangling her with his hands and forearm, which caused her to have difficulty breathing. Additionally, while pinning her down, Oreiro is accused of hitting her multiple times and threatening to kill her.
Lummi Police officers responded to the scene after being alerted by a housemate’s call. Upon arrival and search of the premises, they arrested Oreiro following a physical altercation with him. The victim was found distressed in a closet where she had been ordered to hide by Oreiro and was subsequently taken for medical treatment due to injuries including facial bruises and neck abrasions.
Initially charged in tribal court, Oreiro faced further charges following an FBI investigation leading to a grand jury indictment on June 25, 2025.
Assault by strangulation carries potential penalties of up to ten years imprisonment and fines reaching $250,000.
The indictment remains an allegation at this stage; individuals are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
The FBI Safe Trails Task Force alongside the Lummi Nation Police is conducting the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee is prosecuting the case and serves as Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
