Lummi Nation member, who is registered sex offender, indicted for rape of incapacitated victim

Seattle - A 35-year-old member of the Lummi Nation, a Level III registered sex offender, was arraigned today for the sexual assault of a houseguest in a residence on tribal land, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Gideon Bewley pleaded "not guilty" today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to sexual abuse. Bewley is being detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac. Trial in front of U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson is scheduled for December 21, 2026.

According to court records, Bewley is a registered sex offender due to a federal felony for sexual abuse of a minor. Bewley was released from federal custody in June 2022 and was registered as living at a family residence on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation.

On April 24, 2026, the victim spent the evening at Bewley's girlfriend's residence. Bewley arrived later in the evening. After consuming alcohol, the victim went to bed and later awoke to Bewley sexually assaulting her. Shortly thereafter, she confronted Bewley and his girlfriend about the sexual assault.

Bewley was originally arrested by Lummi Tribal Police and charged with rape in the second degree, failing to register as a sex offender and residing with a child in violation of his sex offender status. He came into federal custody on June 2, 2026, for violating the terms of his supervised release. He was indicted by the grand jury on October 7, 2026.

Sexual abuse is punishable by up to life in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Lummi Police Department and the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee. AUSA Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Washington.