Spokane, Washington - U.S. Senior District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Aaron Joseph Cunningham, age 47, of Cusick, Washington, to 41 months in federal prison on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Allen was convicted on October 19, 2023, following a jury trial. Senior Judge Peterson also sentenced to Cunningham to 3 years of federal supervision after he is released from prison.
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, on October 24, 2021, Cunningham was driving his deceased brother’s car, which he had been using as his own. Law enforcement stopped Cunningham on a Department of Corrections warrant and arrested him. The car was towed, impounded, and ultimately set for auction.
On November 30, tow employees inventoried the car for auction. Employees located two black Glock firearms in glovebox. Both firearms were loaded and chambered.
During the investigation of the unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by Cunningham, law enforcement learned that Cunningham had made repeated threats to a family living on his deceased brother’s property. In the early morning hours of October 18, Cunningham came onto the property armed with two Glock-style firearms and accused the family of being squatters. Before leaving the property, Cunningham yelled, “I will kill you all.”
“Mr. Cunningham illegally possessed loaded firearms and used them in an attempt to frighten and threaten a family on their own property. This type of crime is not just a threat to people’s safety, it is a threat to their freedom to go about their daily lives,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “By working with our law enforcement partners to remove illegal firearms, we can have a significant impact in making our homes and communities safer.”
“Mr. Cunningham was prohibited from possessing firearms yet used them as a means to threaten his family,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “This sentence is well deserved and should send a message to anyone who would think to use firearms in this manner.”
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pend Oreille County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Herzog.
U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement on the case that can be viewed here.
Richland, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Kyle Ray Campbell, age 36, to 25 years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. The Court also sentenced Campbell’s codefendant, and brother, Cameron Earl Campbell, age 32, to 20 years in federal prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Chief District Judge Bastian imposed 5 years of federal supervision on both defendants upon their release from custody. Kyle and Cameron Campbell are each from Richland, Washington.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Campbells were trafficking large amounts of fentanyl from Mexico into the Tri-Cities area. Beginning in early 2019, Kyle Campbell would travel to San Diego and meet a contact who would provide Campbell with fentanyl-laced pills that had been smuggled across the Mexican border. The contact would then take Campbell’s money for the pills back to Mexico and pay the source of supply. Cameron Campbell took over the trips to San Diego when he was off Washington State Department of Corrections supervision. Investigators learned the Campbells were provided with approximately 50,000 Fentanyl pills per month from early 2019 to February 2020.
On February 8, 2020, Cameron Campbell took a bus from Pasco, Washington to San Ysidro, California. From February 9 to February 12, 2020, Cameron Campbell made several trips between San Ysidro, and Mexico. On February 12, Cameron Campbell took a bus from San Ysidro to Toppenish, Washington. FBI agents conducting surveillance on the bus observed Cameron Campbell get off the bus carrying several bags. He went into a laundry mat and appeared to be waiting. Agents entered the laundry mat and contacted Cameron Campbell and seized his phone and luggage.
Following the execution of federal search warrant, agents recovered approximately 10,000 fentanyl-laced pills inside the seized bags. Agents also executed a search warrant on Cameron Campbell’s cell phone. The contents of the phone showed multiple text messages between Cameron Campbell and Kyle Campbell. The messages included details about the trip and an offer from Kyle to pick up Cameron when he got off the bus. The text messages also showed Cameron Campbell had left approximately 500 fentanyl-laced pills in a fast-food restaurant bathroom in Portland, Oregon for another person to pick up.
In July of 2020, a federal search warrant was executed at Kyle Campbell’s home. Agents located a safe with 400 fentanyl-laced pills, baggies with drug residue, a phone, cash, and multiple firearms. Agent also recovered another handgun from the bedroom of the home.
During sentencing, Chief Judge Bastian noted both defendants obstructed justice during the case – with Cameron Campbell attempting to have his now ex-wife erase cell phones seized by the FBI before they could be searched, and Kyle Campbell threatening a witness in the case with harm if the witness testified. Chief Judge Bastian also noted that while both defendants professed remorse and promised they would not engage in this type conduct again. Yet, at the same time as they promised they would not engage in further criminal activity, the Campbells were smuggling drugs into the Benton County Jail for distribution in the jail to other inmates.
“The defendants in this case distributed a shocking amount of deadly illicit fentanyl into the Tri-Cities area. This poison causes untold damage to families, neighborhoods, and our nation,” stated U.S Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to battling the fentanyl epidemic by working together with our federal, state, local and tribal partners to prosecute the most significant traffickers to remove the source of supply of these dangerous narcotics and to protect our community.”
“Every Fentanyl pill introduced into our communities has the potential to destroy lives.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The Campbell brothers were trafficking thousands of these deadly pills into Washington state each month. The FBI and our partners will continue our efforts of keeping these poisons off the streets and out of our neighborhoods.”
This case was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force in Tri-Cities, Washington, in cooperation with the Kennewick Police Department, Richland Police Department, Pasco Police Department, and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Brandon Pang.
U.S. Attorney Waldref recorded a video statement which can be viewed here.
Spokane, Washington - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) joins communities nationwide in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and celebrating victims’ rights, protections, and services. This year’s observance takes place April 21-27, 2024, and features the theme, “How would you help? Options, services, and hope for crime survivors.” The theme aims to ensure that everyone in a community knows where and how crime victims and survivors can find help — including friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, service providers, or other trusted members of the community.
In 1975, the first “Victims’ Rights Week” was organized in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by the then district attorney. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week” in 1981 to highlight the importance of prioritizing the rights and needs of crime victims. President Reagan also established the President’s Task Force on Victims of Crime, which laid the foundation for a national network to provide services and legal safeguards for crime victims.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has a dedicated team of prosecutors and victim assistance professionals, who work together to ensure victims receive the services and support they need. Early intervention helps prevent further victimization and encourages victim involvement in the justice system, mitigating the cycle of violence and restoring hope for the future.
Each year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington prosecutes numerous cases involving individuals who are victims of violent, financial, environmental, and other crimes. In 2023 and continuing into 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s office has filed more than 70 victim cases, which include more than 1,000 individual victims. In each case, victim assistance specialists from our office provide victims with essential services, including referrals to counseling, and help to secure temporary housing, as necessary. These advocates also assist with access to victim’s compensation funds and accompany victims to court proceedings to provide support and guidance.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also works tirelessly to recover restitution on behalf of victims. In 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington recovered more than $68 million on behalf of victims, much of which was recovered in connection with Cody Easterday’s “ghost cattle” scheme. In 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office already has recovered another $15 million in restitution on behalf of victims, bringing the total recovery in just the last year and a half to more than $84 million dollars. These restitution funds are provided directly to those who are victims of violent, financial, sexual exploitation and child abuse, as well as other crimes.
“Honoring the voice of victims of crime is a critical part of securing justice. Providing victims information and a choice in how they participate in cases, is not only their right, but also a meaningful path to recovery from the trauma they have endured,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am also grateful for the dedicated service of our victim assistance specialists – Jolene Jones and Marissa Allen – who work tirelessly to ensure the rights of all victims in the Eastern District of Washington. Their important work helps promote healing and provides victims tools for their future, thereby strengthening Eastern Washington communities.”
Representative examples of victim cases prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in 2023 and 2024, include the following:
- January 24, 2023 sentencing of Ronald Craig Ilg, who was convicted of attempting to hire a dark web hitmen to kidnap his then-estranged wife and harm a former work colleague. Ilg was sentenced to 8 years in federal prison and ordered to pay more than $20,000 in restitution.
- February 21, 2023 sentencing of Jordan Everett Stevens, who was convicted of murdering Alillia “Lala” Minthord and sentenced to life in prison.
- March 8, 2023 sentencing of Jonathan Scott Ard, for shooting a person and conspiring to distribute fentanyl in the Tri-Cities. Ard was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
- April 24, 2023 settlement agreement requiring Jason Dreyer, a former doctor, to pay more than $1 million to resolve allegations that he performed medically unnecessary neurosurgery procedures.
- May 18, 2023 sentencing of Karla Padilla for fraudulently obtaining more than $290,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. Padilla was sentenced to 15 months in prison and ordered to pay approximately $300,000 in restitution.
- June 14, 2023 sentencing of Felipe Tapia-Perez, who was convicted of firearm offenses related to the homicide of a four-year-old child. Tapia-Perez was sentenced to 14 years in prison.
- July 13, 2023 sentencing of Randy Coy James Holmes for shooting an undercover law enforcement officer. Holmes was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
- August 28, 2023 settlement agreement requiring Lincare Holdings to pay $29 million to resolve claims of overbilling Medicare for oxygen equipment.
- September 20, 2023 sentencing of Dylen Joseph Swan for 3-day crime spree involving a car chase, two shootings and an armed robbery. Swan was sentenced to 14 years in prison and was ordered to pay $21,515 in restitution.
- October 11, 2023 sentencing of Michael Gene Rice, who was convicted of producing and attempted production of child pornography. Rice was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and ordered to pay $48,000 in restitution.
- December 12, 2023 sentencing of Christopher Bruce Gooch, who was convicted for an armed robbery at a Spokane Valley motel. Gooch was sentenced to 4 years in prison.
- January 24, 2024 arrest of 8 individuals in Moses Lake on drug trafficking charges and perpetration of violent crimes.
- February 22, 2024 sentencing of Ronald Walter Hannes for defrauding numerous Spokane victims of more than $3 million. Hannes was ordered to pay restitution to more than a dozen victims in the amount of $3.18 million.
- March 27, 2024 sentencing of Sundron Larsell Miller and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez to decades in federal prison for violent carjacking and assault on the Yakama Nation.
- March 28, 2024 sentencing of Robert Wayne Hutton to 20 years in federal prison on child exploitation charges. Hutton was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution.
- April 15, 2024, a restitution hearing in U.S. v. Seth Randles was concluded. Randles was convicted of a violent sex trafficking offense and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Restitution was ordered in the amount of $304,212
- April 17, 2024 indictment of 34 individuals involved in drug distribution, cockfighting, and witness/victim intimidation.
U.S. Attorney Waldref added, “These representative cases demonstrate the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to protecting victims in Eastern Washington. My office will continue to identify and prosecute those who harm our citizens, and we will seek to hold accountable those who exploit vulnerable members of our community.”
To commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, trees at the federal courthouses in Spokane, Richland and Yakima have been decorated with pink and purple ribbons.
More information about OVC, as well as resources for victims of crime, can be found here.
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Henry Patrick Bevans, III, age 40, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with the Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 168 months imprisonment to be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in January of 2023, the Liberty Lake Police Department (LLPD) was investigating suspected drug trafficking at a local hotel. Officers observed a vehicle, suspected to be involved in drug related activity, parked at the hotel for several days.
On January 31, 2023, officers observed a man and a woman use the vehicle to drive from the hotel to a gas station a short distance away. An LLPD officer contacted the man driving and confirmed the man was Bevans. LLPD arrested Bevans on a felony warrant from the Department of Corrections. When he was arrested, Bevans was on supervised release following a 10-year prison sentence for a conviction in 2014 on drug distribution charges.
LLPD obtained and executed a state search warrant for the vehicle. Officers located 131 grams of methamphetamine, 1,750 fentanyl-laced pills, as well as a smaller amounts of other controlled substances inside the car. Officers also located a taser, an air pistol, a digital scale with drug residue, zip lock baggies and zip ties, a drug ledger, and more than $1,000 in cash inside the vehicle.
“Despite periods of incarceration and rehabilitation, Mr. Bevans continued to distribute dangerous and illicit controlled substances. My office is committed to stopping the flow of deadly drugs into our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the tireless dedication of all those that join us in this critical mission. By working together, we can effectively combat the opioid epidemic and make our communities safer and stronger.”
“People like Mr. Bevans, who persistently distribute drugs after completing their incarceration, present a clear danger to our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners are committed to ensuring the safety of our communities by holding people like Mr. Bevans accountable as many times as it takes to protect the public from this grave threat.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty Lake Police Department.
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced today that twenty-eight people are in state or federal custody following the return of six separate indictments alleging more than two dozen charges against thirty-four separate defendants. Certain of the individuals indicted are not yet in federal custody.
The arrests follow a long-term joint federal and state investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives into La Nuestra Familia (NF), a violent prison gang responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs into our community for the enrichment of their members, which includes leaders of this organization who, in some cases, are serving life sentences in the United States Penitentiary, Administrative Maximum Facility in Florence, Colorado (USP Florence ADMAX). USP Florence ADMAX is one of the Bureau of Prisons’ most secure facilities, providing an even higher level of custody than a regular maximum-security prison.
The arrests are the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation that began in approximately 2018 and spanned multiple jurisdictions from various locations in Washington State, to include Yakima County, the Yakama Reservation, Spokane County, and Walla Walla County. The operation also extended into Louisiana, Colorado, and Arkansas.
The conspiracy indictment alleges Robert Patrick Hanrahan, Rigoberto Escobedo Gonzalez, Travis Michael McGuire, and Jose Alfredo Chavez Arredondo, acted as supervisors to dozens of individuals engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise that included possession and distribution of illegal drugs, cockfighting, possession of illegal firearms, illegal use of the U.S. Mail, and attempts to kill those who assisted law enforcement in this investigation. Multiple individuals have also been charged with laundering the proceeds made from these illicit ventures.
Upon release of the conspiracy indictment, which was unsealed earlier today upon the arrest of several suspects, United States Attorney Waldref stated, “I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of so many law enforcement agencies, who simultaneously executed more than twenty search warrants in the Yakima area and across the United States earlier today. More than 350 federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement came together to coordinate the takedown of this alleged drug trafficking operation.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “It is an honor to lead important prosecutions, such as this one, which has removed illegal drugs and firearms from our community and illegal narcotics from the Bureau of Prisons. Our community and our nation are safer and stronger as a result of the incredible work of our law enforcement and prosecution teams.”
During the operation, agents seized approximately 37 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, pound quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as more than 8,000 fentanyl-laced pills. Additionally, the law enforcement team seized more than $20,000 in U.S. currently. Agents also seized hundreds of roosters from locations in Zillah and Outlook, Washington. The roosters were allegedly used in cockfights. Many of the roosters are being turned over to the care of Heartwood Haven Animal Rescue located in Roy, Washington.
According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been indicated in connection with ATF’s joint investigation. The United States anticipates brining additional charges against other individuals identified during the execution of search warrants early today. In addition, the names of others indicted in connection with this investigation will be unsealed upon the arrest of those individuals.
- Fabian Arredondo a/k/a “DV,” 34, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Conspiracy to Launder Money.
- Joanna Arredondo, 34, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jose Alfredo Chavez Arredondo a/k/a “Cuyi,” 43, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Distribution of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money, Unlawful Animal Fighting
- Jose Alfredo Ricardo Arredondo a/k/a “Papaz,” 25, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Distribution of Cocaine, Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun
- Alexa Joann Carras-Blackburn, 35, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Pablo Angel Castellon a/k/a “Sapo,” 40, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Mayda Ivette Castellon, 36, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jacenir Amezcua Dasilva a/k/a “Serio,” 30, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money, Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Marco Anthony Gomez, Jr. a/k/a “Silky,” 45, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Rigoberto Escobedo Gonzalez a/k/a “Crazy Thugg,” 35, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Robert Patrick Hanrahan a/k/a “Bubba,” 52, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jazmine Renea Hart, 32, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Maria Esperanza Hermoso, 28, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Adrean Kendall Lafollette a/k/a “Hunger,” 33, charged with Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Travis Michael Mcguire a/k/a “Slim,” 49, charged with Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communication Facility, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Jesus Antonio Mirelez a/k/a “Dizzy,” 34, Conspiracy to Launder Money, Felon in Possession of a Firearm
- Felipe Feliciano Ramirez a/k/a “Casper,” 44, charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communications Facility, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Logan Paul Scheck a/k/a “Sin,” 31, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Brian Lee Sellers, 62, charged with Conspiracy to Unlawfully Use a Communications Facility, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Misael Vazquez-Moreno, 26, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl
- Fernando Villegas, 25, charged with Unlawful Animal Fighting
- Thomas Lee Weatherwax a/k/a “Wax,” 25, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Launder Money
- Yesika Escobedo Zaragoza, 40, charged with Conspiracy to Money Launder
- Arthur Frank Cardenas a/k/a “Porkchop,” 45, charged with Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Joshua Isaac Stine a/k/a “Heat,” 39, charged with Attempt to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness, Conspiracy to Retaliate Against a Federal Witness
- Hugo Enrique Davadi a/k/a “Flako,” 36, charged with Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl
Certain of the individuals will be arraigned at the Yakima and Spokane Federal Courthouses at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 19.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S Marshals Service, U.S. Border Patrol, Federal Bureau of Prisons, ICE Enforcement Removal Operations, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Gambling Commission, Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Grandview Police Department, Walla Walla Regional Drug Task Force, Selah Police Department, Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys from the Eastern District of Washington are prosecuting the case. Former AUSA Frances Walker was the initial prosecutor on the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Yakima, WA: At 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais, Yakima Police Chief Matthew Murray, Yakima County Sheriff Robert Udell, as well as additional federal, state, and local law enforcement, anticipate holding a joint press conference to make a significant law enforcement announcement relating to Eastern Washington and elsewhere.
The press event is scheduled to take place in front of the William O. Douglas Federal Courthouse, located at 25 S. 3rd St., Yakima, WA 98901. The U.S. Attorney’s Office anticipates being able to release additional information immediately prior to the press conference.
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned a verdict on April 9, 2024, following the trial of 40-year-old Marvin Samson Butterfly. Butterfly was found guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Indian Country, Assault of an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner by Suffocating and Attempting to Suffocate in Indian Country, and Attempted Witness Tampering.
Evidence introduced at trial established that on September 16, 2023, officers with the Spokane Tribal Police Department were called to a home in Ford, Washington for a reported domestic assault. The victim told officers that Butterfly, who is an enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe, assaulted her. Butterfly was upset with the victim because the victim had let another woman shelter in her home because of the cold weather. Butterfly began shouting, took out a long knife and began stabbing the floors, doors, and furniture. Butterfly then assaulted the victim by holding the knife against her throat and said, “this is how you kill someone.” Butterfly pushed the victim down on the couch, placed his hand over the victim’s mouth and attempted to suffocate her. Butterfly used such force; it left a bruise. The victim was able to pry Butterfly’s fingers off her face. Butterfly then left the home in the victim’s vehicle. Officers found Butterfly the next morning asleep in the victim’s vehicle. He was arrested and taken to the Spokane County Jail.
On November 2, 2023, while in jail, Butterfly placed a recorded telephone call to his neighbor. During the call, Butterfly made several statements indicating he did not want the victim to testify. Butterfly encouraged his neighbor to stress to the victim that he would be coming home if she did not speak to investigators.
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the trial, which began on April 8, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for July 10, 2024.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of violence. Native Americans experience some of the highest rates of violence in the country, a situation that is more tragic in light of the generations of trauma already suffered by Indigenous people, especially Native American women,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spokane Tribal Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis.
A video statement from U.S. Attorney Waldref can be found here.
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Christopher Vaughn Schlax, age 48, of Grandview, Washington has been sentenced after pleading guilty to three counts of Damage by Fire to a Building or Personal Property Used in Interstate and Foreign Commerce. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 60 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Schlax was involved in a series of burglaries on June 27, 2022. A short time later, Schlax and an alleged accomplice traveled to the Lineage Logistics warehouse in Grandview, Washington. To distract first responders from the burglaries, Schlax set fire to a pallet storage area at the warehouse. The fire caused $423,654 in property damage to the warehouse and presented a significant danger to firefighters called to fight the fire.
Early in the morning of July 4, 2022, Schlax and the alleged accomplice made plans to burglarize the Dollar Tree store in Grandview. To distract from the burglary, Schlax and the alleged accomplice first drove to the fruit bin lot of River Valley Fruit. Schlax got out of the vehicle and lit a fire. The fire caused more than $1.5 million in damage to River Valley Fruit’s property.
A short time later, Schlax and the alleged accomplice attempted to carry out their plan to burglarize the Dollar Tree. Schlax used a cutting torch to cut into a safe in the office of the Dollar Tree store. As a result, Schlax started a fire inside the Dollar Tree. The arson caused more than $1.8 million in damage to the Dollar Tree building and property.
“Mr. Schlax not only committed burglaries, but then, to cover up his crimes, he started fires that endangered firefighters, law enforcement and members of the community. The fires started by Mr. Schlax also caused millions of dollars in property damage,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for our first responders who keep our community safe. I also want to commend the excellent work of our law enforcement partners and federal prosecutors involved in this case.”
“ATF is the only U.S. Government agency with fire and arson investigation as part of its core mission,” said ATF Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “For Mr. Schlax to intentionally start fires to distract first responders from his burglaries is especially cruel. Because of the destruction and danger he caused to the community, this sentence is clearly warranted.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Pratten and former AUSA Frances Walker, who indicted the case.
The alleged accomplice has been indicted on charges of Damage by Fire to a Building or Personal Property Used in Interstate and Foreign Commerce. The accomplice, who has entered a not guilty plea, was arraigned on November 14, 2022, and is currently awaiting trial. The indictment against the accomplice contains mere allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A video statement from U.S. Attorney Waldref can be found here.
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jesse Lee Johnson, 36, of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 120 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Johnson’s codefendant, Ronald Lee Ralston, was sentenced on February 27, 2024, to 138 months in prison and 5 years supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at trial and the sentencing hearing, the FBI developed information that Johnson and Ralston, were distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from Ralston’s home in Selah, Washington.
FBI Task Force members arranged for a confidential informant to set up a controlled buy at Ralston’s house. On May 4, 2023, the informant arrived at the home and tried to purchase methamphetamine from Ralston. However, Ralston said the methamphetamine he had on hand was spoken for and not for sale. While no sale took place that day, Ralston and Johnson were captured on video discussing future drug sales.
On May 16, the informant returned to Ralston’s home and purchased one pound of methamphetamine and 100 pills of fentanyl from Ralston and Johnson for $2,000. Ralston also told the informant he could get any amount of methamphetamine and fentanyl with 24-hour notice.
A search warrant was executed on June 7, 2023, at Ralston’s residence. In Ralston’s trailer, located on the property, law enforcement seized 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and two firearms. In the main residence, law enforcement officers seized another firearm and an additional half-pound of methamphetamine.
“Mr. Johnson and Ralston were distributing large amounts of illicit drugs into our communities. Discovering and dismantling illegal drug supply chains is a main priority for my office,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, who work closely with federal prosecutors to stop drug distributors and make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”
“The FBI and our partners are committed to removing deadly drugs from Washington state, which are so often accompanied by violent crime and addiction,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “This sentence should serve as a reminder that we will hold drug traffickers accountable and that these crimes have consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, Customs and Border Protection and the Selah Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Swensen.
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Silaz Elijah James, age 19, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Second-Degree Murder and one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 240 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release as well as $6,620 in restitution.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on April 13, 2022, James, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, got into an argument with his victim about money. As James walked out of the house in Toppenish, where the argument took place, he turned and fired a single shot from a pistol. The shot stuck the victim in the chest, killing her. James then got into a vehicle with two other people. As the driver of the vehicle pulled away, James fired two additional shots at people standing outside the home. Neither of those shots stuck anyone.
On April 7, 2023, the Court granted the United States’s motion to transfer James’s case from juvenile to adult status. On January 9, 2024, James, who was 17 at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty.
“This case is tragic in every way. A young lady’s life was taken and Mr. James will spend the next several years in federal prison. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic and senseless crime. No sentence will ever erase the tragic loss of the life of the victim,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful to the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police as well as the Assistant United States Attorneys from my office who worked to see this case through and seek justice on behalf of the young life that was taken.”
“Mr. James’s decisions ended the life of one person and put other innocent bystanders in immediate danger.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “His actions demonstrated a disregard for the lives of people around him. Our hope is that the victim’s loved ones find some solace with today’s sentence.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.