U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced that Fleet Patrick Matt, aged 49, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for one count of abusive sexual contact. In addition to the prison term, Matt will be subject to a lifetime of supervised release.

Court documents revealed that in September 2022, Matt sexually abused a child on the Kalispel Reservation. The investigation uncovered further victims who reported abuse by Matt over several years.

"My heart breaks for the victims in this case. I am grateful for their courage to come forward and engage with law enforcement to seek justice," stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. She emphasized the importance of children living without fear and highlighted the collaborative efforts of various agencies in holding Matt accountable.

In November 2022, the Kalispel Tribal Court banished Matt from all tribal lands and properties on the reservation. Curt Holmes, Vice Chair of the Kalispel Tribal Council, expressed gratitude towards federal partners for their role in protecting tribal children.

W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, commended the victims' bravery and reaffirmed the commitment to combat violence on state reservations.

The FBI and Kalispel Tribal Police Department conducted the investigation, with Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick prosecuting the case.