A woman from Toppenish, Washington, has been sentenced to five years of federal probation for her role in aiding and abetting an assault with a dangerous weapon. Kathleen Ardith Albert, a member of the Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation, received her sentence on September 15, 2025, from District Court Judge Mary K. Dimke.
According to information revealed during legal proceedings, the incident took place on May 16, 2024, at the El Corral Motel in Toppenish. The motel had been known for frequent law enforcement calls and was considered a public safety concern before its closure. On that day, Nora Saluskin-Cloud rented a room at the motel. Evidence showed that Albert purchased drugs from Saluskin-Cloud and was then handed a firearm by her.
Albert accompanied Saluskin-Cloud to one of the rooms where several people were present. Upon entering, Saluskin-Cloud picked up a machete and threatened those inside. She instructed Albert to "watch" and "keep" the people in the room. Albert sat in a chair blocking their exit while holding the firearm and under the influence of controlled substances. Two victims managed to escape through a window and contacted police. Saluskin-Cloud is currently in state custody on another matter.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, stated: “This was clearly a traumatic and dangerous situation for all of these victims, who were trapped in a room without their consent with someone who was armed and potentially volatile from drug use. It is fortunate no one was injured and at least the victims were able to escape. Together with our partners, FBI Seattle is committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout Washington state.”
United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented: “I commend the courage of the victims of this crime who escaped from the room where they were held against their will by a person who was under the influence of drugs while possessing a firearm. I hope that today’s sentence is sufficient to send the message that the Defendant’s misconduct cannot be tolerated in a free and open society. It is also a tribute to the critical collaboration between federal and tribal authorities when we can bring a matter like this to a safe resolution for all involved.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse.
