Press Release
☷Omak Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Intimate Partner on the Colville Indian Reservation
Federal Bureau of Investigation ( By Press Release office)
Apr 28,2022
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Omak Domestic Abuser Sentenced to 37 Months in Federal Prison for Assaulting His Intimate Partner on the Colville Indian Reservation Spokane , Washington – Senior U . S . District Judge William Fremming Nielsen has sentenced Justin Thomas Gentemann , age 31 , of Omak , Washington , to 37 months in federal prison for a March 4 , 2021 assault resulting in serious bodily injury to a domestic partner in Indian county . Senior Judge Nielsen also imposed a period of 3 years’ federal supervised release . In announcing the sentence , Senior Judge Nielsen emphasized the need to protect victims of domestic abuse , especially when such abuse occurs as a result of alcohol and controlled substance use . “This case was very serious and involved repeated conduct , ” Senior Judge Nielsen stated . “Serious conduct means serious consequences . ” Ultimately , Senior Judge Nielsen agreed with the United States’ sentencing recommendations and imposed a sentence at the high end of the sentencing range agreed upon by the parties . According to court documents , on March 4 , 2021 , Gentemann and his girlfriend at the time were at Owhi Lake , which is located on the Colville Indian Reservation . Gentemann had been drinking and accused his girlfriend of being unfaithful to him . As Gentemann continued to drink , he became more aggressive . Eventually , Gentemann punched the girlfriend in the chest and threw her to the ground . Gentemann then drove away in the girlfriend’s truck . Gentemann returned shortly thereafter and chased down the girlfriend . At this point , Gentemann headbutted his victim and punched her , breaking her nose . The girlfriend was able to escape the scene by getting a ride from an eyewitness . After the assault , the girlfriend had blood on her sweatshirt from the injuries to her nose . When Gentemann was placed under arrest for the assault , he became belligerent with Colville Tribal Police Officer Mackenzie Shaffer , threatening to “beat the fuck out” of the officer . Gentemann later attempted to kick Officer Shaffer , who had to step back to avoid being struck in his leg . Gentemann , however , did hit Officer Shaffer’s hand , causing a contusion , which required medical treatment . As Senior Judge Nielsen noted at the sentencing hearing , Gentemann has a “track record” of behavior involving alcohol or domestic violence . Court papers indicate Gentemann has a 2014 conviction for driving under the influence , a 2015 conviction for malicious mischief , and convictions in 2017 and 2018 for domestic violence . “My office is committed to prosecuting those who commit domestic abuse , ” U . S . Attorney Vanessa R . Waldref stated . “Too often , domestic violence victims struggle to access the justice system to get the protection and resources they need . I am grateful for the tremendous law enforcement agents , victim advocates , and prosecutors who handle these challenging cases . By working together , we make our communities safer and stronger , and we can ensure Native American women and families are protected not only from domestic violence , but also from retaliation when they disclose what they experienced . ”“I also want to commend the law enforcement officers who responded to the scene of the domestic assault , ” U . S . Attorney Waldref continued . “Our first - line responders put themselves in harm’s way to protect members of our community . I’m grateful for Officer Schaffer’s service and thankful he was not seriously injured when Mr . Gentemann attacked him . ”“Violence against Native American women is starting to receive the much needed attention it warrants , ” said Donald Voiret , Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office . “I know this office and our partners at the U . S . Attorney’s Office will continue to move quickly and hold perpetrators of violence on our state’s reservations accountable for their crimes . ”The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department . This case was prosecuted by Richard R . Barker , Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington .
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