SPOKANE, WA – A Nespelem man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison following a conviction for offenses involving minors on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke handed down the 216-month sentence to 31-year-old Lance Scott Michel, who will also serve a lifetime term of supervised release. Court records show Michel used social media to contact minors in early 2023, providing items to gain their trust before committing the offenses. The court applied a sentencing enhancement due to the seriousness of his conduct.

“Protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit and harm them are top priorities of my office,” said U.S. Attorney S. Peter Serrano. FBI Seattle Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington added that the case underscores the importance of protecting the safety and wellbeing of children.

The investigation was led by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department, with prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Ellis.