Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Faces Federal Charges for Sexual Assault

Spokane, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Darren Bowannie, age 34, with Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. Bowannie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Monday, September 9, 2024. 

Bowannie was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a lead correctional officer. According to the indictment, Bowannie transported individuals who were in the custody of the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Bureau of Indian Affairs to and from the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem, Washington.

The indictment alleges that on February 9, 2024, Bowannie, who was working as a correctional officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the time, was transporting an individual from Wellpinit, Washington to Nespelem, Washington. In his role as a correctional officer, Bowannie’s duties included prisoner transport to and from the BIA’s jail in Wellpinit. During the transport, Bowannie allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted the individual he was transporting. If convicted, Bowannie faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.

“Our society places significant trust in law enforcement. Every day we rely on law enforcement officers who put themselves at risk to keep our communities safe and uphold their oath to protect and serve. When law enforcement fails to uphold this trust, my office will carefully investigate allegations of wrongdoing and seek justice to reestablish trust, protect victims, and to keep our communities safe and strong," said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis and Tim M. Durkin are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.