SPOKANE, WA. – A 49-year-old man from Inchelium, Washington, has been sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for a violent assault on his intimate partner that included strangulation and threats with a knife.

Rodney Alan Signor pleaded guilty to Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner in Indian Country. U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice also ordered that Signor serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

Court records show that on June 9, 2022, Signor assaulted his partner by striking her, causing bruising, and strangling her to the point of unconsciousness. He also gagged her, threatened her with a knife, and told her he would kill her.

“This case raised serious concerns for the victim’s safety, and I’m incredibly proud of the FBI’s swift and decisive response once the crime came to light,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Our office remains firmly committed to protecting victims and holding domestic abusers accountable through aggressive prosecution.”

“Mr. Signor treated his former partner reprehensibly, endangering her safety in multiple violent attacks,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “We hope this sentence sends a clear message… the FBI is committed to continuing our work to reduce violent crime in tribal communities alongside our tribal partners.”

According to federal statistics, Native American women face some of the highest rates of domestic violence nationwide, with nonfatal strangulation being especially prevalent and dangerous. Studies show women who survive strangulation are more than seven times more likely to be killed by the same partner later.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nowles H. Heinrich.