Spokane, Washington – Kevin William Wissman, a 61-year-old resident of Yakima, Washington, has pleaded guilty to stealing cultural items from the Kalispel Tribe. The plea was entered on March 12, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
Court documents reveal that on October 30, 2020, Wissman took five moccasins and one beaded glove from the Heritage Hall at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights. These items were displayed in a shadow box behind a glass window and have not been recovered.
Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker commented on the impact of the theft: “This theft was devastating to the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the individuals who lost their invaluable family heirlooms.” He emphasized that his office is committed to addressing thefts involving Indian cultural items.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, highlighted the significance of these items to the Kalispel Tribe: “To the Kalispel Tribe, these are not just decorative items in a display case, but rather priceless and irreplaceable pieces of the Kalispel’s history.”
Nick Pierre, a member of the Kalispel Tribal Council and General Manager of Northern Quest Resort & Casino, expressed gratitude towards law enforcement efforts: “We’re grateful to the Kalispel Tribal Police Department and the FBI for tracking down the person responsible for the theft.” Despite this progress, he noted that justice would not be complete until recovery of these items is achieved. The tribe is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to their return.
Individuals with information about these stolen artifacts are encouraged to contact the Kalispel Tribal Police Department at (509) 481-4444.
Judge Rice has scheduled Wissman's sentencing for June 12, 2025. The investigation involved collaboration between several agencies including FBI Seattle and U.S. Marshals Service. Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen is prosecuting this case.
