Recidivist Domestic Violence Offender Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison

Spokane, Washington - First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 14, 2026, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Michael James Andrews to 180 months in federal prison after Andrews was convicted by a jury of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate and Dating Partner in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country; and Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Andrews be placed on a five-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, on September 18, 2024, Andrews - a convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing a firearm - pistol-whipped and shot at his intimate partner while inside their shared residence on the Spokane Indian Reservation. Andrews then attempted to obstruct justice by asking potential witnesses to not speak to law enforcement and using a family member to hide the firearm used in the assault.

At sentencing, Judge Dimke noted Andrews' history of assault related convictions, which included a previous federal conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Judge Dimke also noted that Andrews had been charged by the Spokane Tribe of Indians for domestic violence offenses on numerous occasions. Judge Dimke described Andrews' conduct as a "reign of terror over the community," and noted the sentence she imposed would put a stop to it.

"The successful federal prosecution of a habitual domestic violence offender in Indian Country affirms our duty to fight relentlessly for victims whose safety has been threatened time and again," stated Serrano. "Each prosecution and conviction reflects a commitment to ensuring that repeat abusers are held accountable and that survivors receive the justice, protection, and dignity they deserve. We proudly stand with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners and will continue to bring these important cases to light."

"It is horrifying that this victim was attacked in her own home by a partner who should have cared about her wellbeing," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Thanks to the work of the FBI and our tribal law enforcement partners, Mr. Andrews will have the next 15 years in prison to consider the consequences of his actions while the community is protected from his violence. This sentence sends a message to other would-be offenders that we are committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout Washington state."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spokane Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis and Michael L. Vander Giessen, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.

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