Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments for Two Men on Sex Abuse Charges Arising on the Yakama Nation

Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Federal Grand Jury has returned indictments on two separate individuals.

Jerry Slockish, age 57, of White Swan, Washington has been charged with Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12 Years of Age in Indian Country. The charge carries a sentence of up to life in prison and up to life supervised release. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse is prosecuting the case. 1:24-CR-2049-MKD.

Geordell Devon Arthur, age 24, has been charged with Abusive Sexual Contact. The alleged conduct also took place on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. The victim was between the age of 12 and 16. The charge carries a sentence of up to two years in prison and up to life supervised release. The FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy is prosecuting the case. 1:24-CR-2050-MKD.

"Children deserve to live in a world where they feel safe -- free from abuse and the fear of abuse. Protecting all children, including within Tribal communities in Eastern Washington, will always be a priority for my office," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. "Our strong partnerships with federal and Tribal law enforcement are key to building trust in native communities and securing justice for victims."

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.