Wapato Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violent Assault

Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Dean Elwell, age 40, of Wapato, Washington, to 46 months in federal prison on one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Elwell is released from prison.

According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, on June 3, 2023, the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, went to Elwell’s home in Wapato, Washington. Elwell accused the victim of cheating on her and became upset. Elwell, who was wearing steel toed boots, repeatedly kicked the victim in her face and torso, grabbed the victim by her hair and punched her several times. Elwell also stomped on the victim’s stomach. The victim told investigators she could not eat for a week because of the pain from that injury. The victim was eventually able to escape out a bathroom window.

When law enforcement encountered the victim later that night, investigators observed one of the victim’s eyes was almost swollen shut, there was swelling on the victim’s forehead and both sides of her face. Additionally, there was blood on her lips. Law enforcement also observed dried blood on Elwell’s clothing, left boot, and bedsheets.

“I want to commend the courage of the victim in this case for coming forward and engaging with law enforcement to hold her abuser accountable,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”

“Without the cooperation of the victim in this case, Mr. Elwell may not have been held accountable for his horrific actions.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim was able to escape the extreme violence of the attack. I want to commend the efforts of our investigators and partners to help reduce violent crime against our state’s indigenous population.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten.