Jered Shay Picard, a 35-year-old resident of Nespelem, Washington, has been sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and attempted witness tampering. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed the sentence, which includes three years of supervised release following imprisonment.
The incident occurred on December 13, 2024, when Picard engaged in an altercation with his intimate partner. During the confrontation, the victim sought refuge inside a pickup truck. Picard pointed a rifle at her before discharging it into the air. As she attempted to drive away, he shot out the front driver side tire to prevent her escape. The victim managed to record the incident on video.
Picard was apprehended by the Colville Tribal Police Department the following morning and taken into custody.
While incarcerated, Picard made several phone calls to the victim, urging her not to press charges and advising her to avoid meetings with investigators from the FBI. He also suggested that she delete the video evidence and claimed they were both intoxicated during the incident. Additionally, he implied that she should not attend court proceedings if federal prosecution ensued.
“Mr. Picard’s actions were both life-threatening and deeply disturbing,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “He used a firearm to terrorize his intimate partner and then attempted to manipulate her into obstructing justice.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, commented on Picard’s conduct: “Mr. Picard’s violent and intimidating actions were inexcusable… He then compounded his crimes by continuing to intimidate the victim in a brazen attempt to avoid accountability for his actions.”
Research indicates that individuals with histories of domestic violence present significant risks for homicide when firearms are involved. Abusers with access to guns are statistically more likely to kill their partners and use weapons as tools for intimidation and control.
The investigation was conducted by both the FBI and Colville Tribal Police Department, while Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen prosecuted the case.
