Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that James Ray Hill Jr., 46, from Wellpinit, Washington, has been sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Hill pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.
Court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing revealed that on December 3, 2023, Hill assaulted his girlfriend while they were sitting in her car on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The attack resulted in severe injuries requiring medical attention. Doctors identified multiple broken bones around her eye and nose, necessitating surgery.
Richard R. Barker emphasized the importance of collaboration with Tribal nations and communities for ensuring public safety: “My office’s partnership with Tribal nations and communities is integral to the work we do within the U.S. Attorney’s Office… Ensuring public safety is a top priority for my office.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Spokane Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.
