Anthony John Maldonado, 32, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for assaulting his partner. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian in the Eastern District of Washington. Additionally, a three-year federal no-contact order was issued to protect the victim after Maldonado's imprisonment.
The incident occurred on April 6, 2024, at E.J.'s apartment in Wapato, Washington. According to court documents and statements made during the sentencing hearing, an argument between Maldonado and E.J. escalated into violence when Maldonado punched E.J., causing her to fall. He then continued to assault her while she was on the floor and began strangling her until she managed to escape and call the police.
Maldonado had a history of domestic violence against E.J., with previous charges and convictions in Yakama Nation Tribal Court. Just two months prior to this assault, he had entered a Deferred Sentence Agreement that required him not to harm or harass E.J.
During sentencing, MMIP Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse emphasized the seriousness of non-fatal strangulation as an indicator of potential future homicide in domestic violence cases. She also noted that Indigenous women experience higher rates of crime victimization and intimate partner violence compared to non-Indigenous people.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, stated: "The pattern of traumatic abuse and domestic violence Mr. Maldonado inflicted on his partner is unconscionable." He commended investigators and Tribal partners for their efforts in holding Maldonado accountable.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program aimed at addressing issues related to missing or murdered Indigenous people through collaboration with various partners.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
