TACOMA (AP) — Justice Department officials say an enrolled member of the Port Gamble S'Klallam Tribe has been sentenced to life imprisonment for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor.
U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes said in a news release 59-year-old Leroy Charles was sentenced Friday. Charles was convicted by a jury on five counts of the abuse in October.
Hayes says Charles raped children and young teenagers over a period of six years, overpowering the victims.
Hayes said he also threatened to kill the victims and their families if they disclosed the crimes.
