Lummi Member James Sentenced for Child Sex Abuse

Seattle – In a chilling verdict, 42-year-old David Allen James, a member of the Lummi Tribe, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually molesting two young children on Lummi Tribal land. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced the sentence today, which also includes five years of supervised release.

James was indicted in May 2012 and pleaded guilty in October 2012 after a lengthy investigation by the Lummi Police Department and the FBI. The victims, now aged 7 and 8, disclosed the abuse to authorities, leading to James’ arrest and prosecution.

In court, Judge Robert S. Lasnik emphasized the widespread impact of child sexual abuse, noting, “We have come a long way in recognizing how devastating sexual abuse is to children and how it repeats itself through generations.”

James, who admitted his guilt during the trial, expressed a desire to seek help for understanding his own history of abuse. However, Judge Lasnik challenged James’ family and community, urging them to take a stand against child sexual abuse: “Step up and stop this cycle of sexual abuse,” he said.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Brown, who emphasized the severity of the crime and the importance of justice for the victims. This sentence sends a powerful message about the consequences of such heinous acts on Lummi Tribal land.

James’ sentencing marks another significant victory in the fight against child sexual abuse, as authorities continue to hold predators accountable and work towards protecting our most vulnerable citizens.