YAKIMA, WA – A 20-year-old member of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for sexually abusing an incapacitated teenager in 2022.

Darius Morningstar Speedis was sentenced on April 14, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke to 72 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court records, the assault occurred in November 2022 on the Yakama Nation Reservation after several teens, including the victim and Speedis, consumed alcohol. At least some of the alcohol had been supplied by Speedis. The victim, a 16-year-old Native American girl, became incapacitated. Though she did not recall the assault, investigators learned that Speedis had recorded the incident and sent the video to the victim. That video was later deleted and not recovered by law enforcement.

Judge Dimke cited an abuse of trust and the act of recording the assault as aggravating factors in the case. The judge also remarked on the broader issue of sexual abuse occurring within the Yakama Nation community.

“This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr. Speedis’ conduct and our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “My office will continue working closely with our Tribal partners to hold offenders accountable.”

W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, emphasized the impact of such crimes on Native women. “The FBI is committed to justice for Native women, who too often are targets of crimes of violence,” Herrington said.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.