AIRWAY HEIGHTS — A Spokane man who beat his girlfriend inside Northern Quest Resort and Casino earlier this year has been sentenced to six-and-a-half years in federal prison.
James Edward Kensler, 45, of Spokane, was sentenced Oct. 23 by U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice in federal court in Spokane.
The sentence included five years for the violent attack, 18 months because he violated terms of his probation at the time of the attack, and three years probation.
The penalties will be served consecutively.
According to court records, Kensler — a Colville tribal member — was with his girlfriend at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in May when he attacked her.
Records show he grabbed her by the back of her head and threw her on the ground. He then chased her through the resort, catching her again and throwing her on the ground.
Kensler attempted to stomp on her face, then punched and slapped her, then kneed her, records show. When she tried to escape a second time, he threw her against an elevator door.
Kalispel tribal police apprehended him in the parking lot, records show.
Kalispel Police Cheief Rodney Schurger said his department is committed to the safety of guests.
“Our officers responded swiftly to this violent incident and worked closely with the FBI to ensure that justice was served,” he said.
“Mr. Kensler violently and repeatedly assaulted his victim, causing her severe injuries,” U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref said. “Furthermore, Mr. Kenlser had a history of domestic violence offenses and was on federal supervised release at the time of this latest assault… My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for all victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
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