U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced that on January 15, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Fleet Patrick Matt, 49, to 10 years in federal prison on one count of abusive sexual contact.
Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in September 2022, Matt sexually abused a child on the Kalispel Reservation.
During the investigation, additional individuals disclosed that they, too, were victims of abuse by Matt, including conduct that dated back several years.
“My heart breaks for the victims in this case. I am grateful for their courage to come forward and engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” stated Waldref.
Waldref added, “Children deserve to live in a world where they feel safe—free from abuse and the fear of abuse. Mr. Matt was held accountable due to the joint efforts of the FBI, the Kalispel Tribal Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Office, and the community. By working together, we can continue to build trust and keep our communities safe and strong.”
On November 3, 2022, the Kalispel Tribal Court banished Fleet Matt from the Kalispel Indian Reservation, including all Tribal lands, properties, and businesses.
“Fleet Matt acted in a nature that is offensive to the morals of the people of the Reservation. We thank our federal law enforcement partners for working closely with Tribal officers and social workers to protect the Kalispel Tribe’s most precious resource, our children,” stated Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes.
“Being able to provide justice to victims of crimes is one of the most fulfilling accomplishments in law enforcement.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office.
Herrington commended the victims in this case for the bravery shown in advocating for themselves following the horrendous actions of Matt.
“Combatting violence and crime on our state’s reservations is a priority for the FBI and our partners here in Washington,” said Herrington.
