Tulalip Tribes Member Herman John III Sentenced for Head-On Crash

Seattle- A harrowing high-speed crash on the Tulalip Reservation has led to a severe sentence for Herman James John III, a 36-year-old member of the Tulalip Tribes. U.S. Attorney Brian T. Moran announced today that John was sentenced to 37 months in prison and 3 years of supervised release following his conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

John, who had previously been excluded from the Tulalip Reservation due to criminal conduct, pleaded guilty in February 2020 for the July 8, 2019, incident. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart acknowledged John’s aging and extensive criminal history during the sentencing hearing, expressing hope that John could take advantage of available resources to turn his life around.

Records indicate that on the day of the crash, John had consumed methamphetamine and heroin before fleeing Tulalip Tribal Police in high speed. His vehicle lost control, resulting in a head-on collision with another car on the reservation. The two tribal members in the other vehicle were severely injured and are still recovering from their wounds. The investigation uncovered that John was traveling at 78 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone just before the crash.

The Tulalip Tribal Police, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and FBI collaborated to investigate this tragic event. Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London prosecuted the case, ensuring justice for the victims involved.

John’s sentence serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by impaired driving and the consequences faced by those who choose a life of crime over redemption.