Rodney Alan Signor, a 49-year-old resident of Inchelium, Washington, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison after pleading guilty to assault resulting in substantial bodily injury to a spouse, intimate partner, or dating partner in Indian Country. This sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice and will be followed by three years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that on June 9, 2022, Signor assaulted his intimate partner by striking her and causing bruising. Additionally, he strangled her until she lost consciousness and threatened her with a knife.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker commented on the case: “This case raised serious concerns for the victim’s safety, and I’m incredibly proud of the FBI’s swift and decisive response once the crime came to light.” He emphasized the commitment of his office to protect victims and hold domestic abusers accountable through aggressive prosecution.
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from the FBI Seattle field office stated: “Mr. Signor treated his former partner reprehensibly, endangering her safety in multiple violent attacks. We hope this sentence sends a clear message...that violent crime will not be tolerated.”
Native American women face high rates of domestic violence compared to other groups in the United States. Nonfatal strangulation is particularly common among these cases and poses severe risks despite often leaving few visible injuries. It can lead to severe physical and psychological issues and increases the likelihood of future homicide by over seven times if previously strangled nonfatally.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside the Colville Tribal Police Department. The prosecution was led by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant United States Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.
