Member of Makah Tribe convicted at trial of abusive sexual contact

Tacoma – A 46-year-old member of the Makah Tribe was convicted of abusive sexual contact yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma following a three-day trial, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The jury deliberated for about an hour before finding Schyler Colfax, guilty.  The Neah Bay, Washington, man faces up to two years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle on October 29, 2024.  Colfax will be required to register as a sex offender.

According to records filed in the case, Colfax had regular access to the home of the victim on Makah Tribal lands. On October 23, 2023, Colfax was found in the bedroom of the 13-year-old victim who had stayed home from school due to illness. Adult relatives found Colfax in the victim’s bed and ordered him to leave. The victim immediately disclosed to her guardians that Colfax had touched her inappropriately. The family then reported the conduct to Neah Bay Police and Colfax was arrested that evening.

The FBI joined the Neah Bay police in the investigation and an experienced forensic interviewer took a statement from the child. Because the crime occurred on tribal land and involved tribal members the case was prosecuted in federal court.

Colfax was indicted in November 2023 and has been in custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, Washington since his arrest on November 16, 2023.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Harder and Celia Lee, who both serve as Tribal Liaisons for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.