United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced the sentencing of Geordell Devon Arthur, a 23-year-old resident of Wapato, Washington. On January 24, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Arthur to 12 months in federal prison for unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Additionally, he will serve five years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender.

Arthur's sentencing follows an incident on or around May 10, 2021, when he made unlawful sexual contact with a 13-year-old girl on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. At that time, Arthur was 19 years old. The victim reported that Arthur's friends threatened her with harm if she reported the incident to law enforcement.

U.S. Attorney Waldref emphasized the importance of supporting victims who come forward despite intimidation: “The harm to victims in cases like these cannot be understated,” she said. “It takes courage for victims to come forward, especially when an abuser attempts to silence them.”

Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from the FBI’s Seattle field office praised the victim's bravery: “Mr. Arthur assaulted and then tried to intimidate his victim into silence," he stated. "However, she displayed courage instead of fear and now her attacker is headed to prison."

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.