Source: Office of United States Attorneys
Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that Jose Antonio Saldana, age 43, of Wapato, Washington, was sentenced on three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact and of Aggravated Sexual Abuse. Saldana was found guilty on March 12, 2025, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Saldana to 45 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, beginning in August 1999, and continuing to January 2014, Saldana sexually abused three children under the age of 13 in Wapato, Washington. During trial, the victims recounted the abuse they suffered, which included Saldana touching them under their clothing and attempting to sexually abuse one of the victims.
“Mr. Saldana’s significant sentence reflects the seriousness of his conduct. I want to commend the brave victims who testified to the abuse they suffered and identified Mr. Saldana as their abuser,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker. “My office will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and support survivors on their path to healing.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.
1:24-cr-02040-MKD