Tulalip Man Gets 9 Years for Brutal Domestic Abuse

SEATTLE, WA – Brian H. Jones Sr., 47, of Tulalip and Marysville, Washington, will spend the next nine years in federal prison after being convicted of a string of violent crimes against his ex-wife, including assault by strangulation and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The sentencing, handed down October 7, 2016, in U.S. District Court in Seattle, also includes four years of supervised release.

Jones was found guilty on seven charges following a six-day jury trial: assault by strangulation, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, witness tampering, being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones cited the “horrific circumstances” of the case and Jones’ history of violence as justification for the lengthy sentence.

“Violence of this kind and attempts to subvert our justice system cannot be tolerated in any of our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. “I commend law enforcement for its diligent investigation in this case. We take seriously our responsibility to address domestic violence in our tribal communities, and will do all that we can to hold defendants to account for the physical and psychological harms they cause.”

Court records and trial testimony revealed a pattern of brutal abuse. In December 2014, Jones assaulted both his ex-wife and her then-husband, holding them at gunpoint. The violence escalated in April 2015 when Jones again attacked his ex-wife, strangling and beating her, leaving her with severe injuries to her head, arms, legs, and throat, according to medical records. Jones didn’t stop at physical assault; he then engaged in a calculated effort to silence his victim.

Following his arrest in connection with the initial assaults, Jones repeatedly contacted his ex-wife, pressuring her to refuse to testify in both tribal and federal court. He attempted to convince her to request dismissal of the federal charges or, failing that, to recant her statements. Prosecutors successfully countered his intimidation tactics, presenting the ex-wife’s prior sworn statements, medical records, and testimony from other witnesses to secure the conviction.

Adding to the severity of the case, Jones is a convicted felon, legally prohibited from possessing firearms. He has been in federal custody since June 3, 2015. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Tulalip Tribal Police and the FBI, with the prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Ye-Ting Woo and J. Tate London. This sentencing sends a clear message: accountability will be pursued for those who prey on others and attempt to obstruct justice, especially within vulnerable tribal communities.

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