Jered Shay Picard, a 35-year-old resident of Nespelem, Washington, has been sentenced to four years in prison following his guilty plea to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and attempted witness tampering. The sentencing was announced by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker.
The incident occurred on December 13, 2024, when Picard engaged in an altercation with his intimate partner. During the confrontation, the victim sought refuge inside a pickup truck. Picard responded by pointing a rifle at her face and firing into the sky. He then shot out the front driver side tire to prevent her from leaving. The entire event was recorded on video by the victim.
Picard was apprehended the next day by the Colville Tribal Police Department and taken into custody. While incarcerated, he made several phone calls to the victim urging her not to press charges, avoid meetings with investigators, delete video evidence of the incident, and claim they were intoxicated during the occurrence. He also suggested she should not appear in court if federal prosecution ensued.
“Mr. Picard’s actions were both life-threatening and deeply disturbing,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker regarding Picard's conduct. “He used a firearm to terrorize his intimate partner and then attempted to manipulate her into obstructing justice.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, remarked on Picard's behavior: “Mr. Picard's violent and intimidating actions were inexcusable... He then compounded his crimes by continuing to intimidate the victim in a brazen attempt to avoid accountability for his actions.”
Research indicates that individuals with histories of domestic violence present significant risks of homicide, especially when firearms are involved.
The case was jointly investigated by the FBI and Colville Tribal Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen.
