Montana Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Punching, Biting, And Strangling His Girlfriend On The Spokane Reservation -12/20/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 19, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Bojai Dominick Grant-Schmidt, age 23, to fourteen months in federal prison for assaulting his girlfriend and inflicting substantial bodily injury on her. Judge Rice also imposed three years of federally supervised release. 

Based on court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on the night of May 10, 2024, in Ford, Washington, Grant-Schmidt punched his girlfriend in the face and placed her in a headlock with his arm around her neck and squeezed, causing her to nearly lose consciousness. Grant-Schmidt also bit her on the scalp and finger and dragged her by her hair. 

“Everyone deserves to live a life free of domestic violence,” state U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Domestic violence is one of the root causes underlying the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) crisis. Prosecuting cases on Tribal lands that involve intimate partner violence is a critical tool to bringing justice to victims and safety to Tribal communities.”

“Everyone has the right to expect justice after being harmed, no less so when the perpetrator is your partner.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I commend the victim in this case for advocating for herself, and I hope this sentence provides her with some measure of comfort. Given the violence inflicted by Mr. Grant-Schmidt on his partner, it is clear his community will be safer with him in prison.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Spokane Tribal Police. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen. 

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Spokane Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material -12/20/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 11, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Nathan Roy Stout, age 39, from Spokane, Washington, to 15 years in federal prison for Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release and restitution of $9,000. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in January 2023, Stout was living in the Residential Reentry Center (RRC) in Spokane Washington following a 2018 conviction for distributing child pornography. While at the RRC, a staff member discovered that child sexual abuse material was stored on Stout’s cell phone. Stout later told his case manager at the RRC that he had been downloading child sexual abuse material and then deleting it. 

An FBI agent conducted an extraction of Stout’s phone and located 116 files of young children being sexually abused. The agent also located multiple file cleaners, which are designed to erase files, on Stout’s cell phone.

“Mr. Stout downloaded child exploitation material, even while serving a sentence for a similar crime,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I commend my team of prosecutors and investigators who dedicate their careers to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities. Every case we investigate and prosecute – every victim identified and rescued – brings some level of justice for those who suffer the tragic effects of child abuse and exploitation.” 

“Mr. Stout continued to download and view child pornography while on probation following a sentence for the same offense.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Protecting and advocating for children is one of the most noble tasks entrusted to the FBI. I especially want to thank the investigators who work these cases on behalf of children, despite how troubling the facts may be.”

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated by the FBI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. 

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U.S. Attorney's Office For The Eastern District Of Washington Highlights Key 2024 Prosecutions Of Crimes Against Children -12/20/24

Spokane, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, highlighted several prosecutions involving crimes against children in Eastern Washington during the last year.  “Cases involving the abuse of young children are some of the most difficult matters that my office handles,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “It is my honor to lead such a talented team of prosecutors and investigators, who work tirelessly to achieve justice on behalf of vulnerable victims.” 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office brings these cases in federal court through its partnership with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program (ICAC).  The ICAC program – which was developed in response to an ever-increasing number of children and an ever-increasing number of online images depicting child sexual abuse – provides funding to help state and local law enforcement develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. The ICAC program also provides forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. 

“Without the dedication of our state and local partners through the ICAC, many of those responsible for these terrible crimes may not have been held to account,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. 

In remarks shared from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Attorney Waldref highlighted the following child exploitation cases prosecuted by her office in the past year:

• Michael Emineth and Malesa Hale engaged in years-long sexual abuse of a minor victim and recorded images depicting the abuse. In January 2024, Emineth was sentenced to 30 years, and Hale was sentenced to 28 years in federal prison. 

• Robert Wayne Hutton placed a camera, hidden in a clock radio, on a bathroom counter in order to secretly film his victim undressing. The camera was wirelessly linked to Hutton’s smartphone, which Hutton used to view the recordings. In March 2024, Hutton was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. 

• Rick Lynn Johnson used his phone and computer to download and share thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. In May 2024, Johnson was sentenced to 5 years in prison and ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution to seven of his victims.

• Dallas Michael Shuler worked at Riverside Elementary School. According to court documents, he allegedly admitted to conversing with more than two dozen minors regarding sexual content, including by sharing and trading sexually explicit pictures and videos. In December 2024, Shuler was charged with producing and distributing child sexual abuse material and online enticement. 

• Gerald Alan Nott, who is a registered sex offender, was using the internet at his parent’s home in Richland, Washington to download and distribute more than 1,000 files depicting child sexual abuse material. In August 2024, Nott was sentenced to 15 years in prison. 

• Lucas Murphy contacted his victim online and asked the victim to send sexually explicit photos. Murphy later kidnapped the victim from Eastern Washington and subjected her to repeated physical and sexual abuse. In August 2024, he received a 20 year sentence.

• Former law enforcement officer, Koby Don Williams attempted to meet, what he thought, was a 13-year-old girl for sex at a hotel in Richland, Washington. Williams was found guilty at trial, and in September 2024, was sentenced to more than 11 years in federal Prison. 

• Tony J. Bolen and Casey Allen Greer worked together to produce child sexual abuse material of a young child that Greer had been sexually abusing since as early as May 2021. In December 2024 both were found guilty at trial. The sentencing for Bolen and Greer is set for April 23, 2025, in Spokane, Washington. 

• Nathan Roy Stout downloaded hundreds of files of child sexual abuse material. At the time of his offense, Stout was serving a sentence for committing a similar crime in 2018. For his latest offense, Stout was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. 

• Craig Michael Berry repeatedly enticed young teens to send him nude images and videos of sexual conduct in exchange for alcohol, vape pens, cartridges for the pens, and marijuana. In December of 2024, Berry was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. 

 “These examples demonstrate the Department of Justice’s commitment to prosecuting difficult cases,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We will continue to work every day, alongside our partners in the ICAC Task Force, to prevent horrific victimization of children, protect victims, and remove dangerous offenders from our community.”

These cases reference herein were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

Steven's County Man Charged With First-Degree Murder For The Death Of A Mother And Daughter 27 Years Ago -12/19/24

Stevens County, Washington – The Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George, and U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, announced today charges against Charles Lloyd Tatom with first degree murder in the death of 29-year-old Marlene Emerson and her 12-year-old daughter, Cassie Emerson.  The murders occurred in summer 1997 and involved a decades-long investigation by both state and federal law enforcement. Recent developments in the investigation include new DNA tests that were completed over the summer of 2024. Tatom, who is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law, is charged by way of information in Stevens County Superior Court. Stevens is scheduled to make his first appearance Friday at 11:00am. 

According to court documents, early in the morning of June 27, 1997, firefighters responded to a mobile home fire in Colville, Washington. By the time crews arrived just after 4:00 am, the roof of the tailer had collapsed, and flames were shooting up to 15 feet above the roofline. After firefighters were able to extinguish the fire, firefighters found the remains of Marlene Emerson inside the home. The doctor that conducted an autopsy on Emerson’s remains concluded the manner of death was homicide. Later examination of Emerson’s remains revealed evidence of knife cuts on her neck. Fire investigators from Stevens County at the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the fire found evidence that gasoline had been poured on the floor before it was ignited. 

Emerson’s daughter, Cassie, was missing and was presumed to have been abducted. A month later, twelve-year old Cassie’s body was recovered in a wooded area above Orin Rice Road. Forensic examination of Cassie’s remains found evidence of knife marks on her neck. 

During the decades-long investigation, law enforcement interviewed numerous people who were living in the trailer park at the time of the murder or who were associated in some manner with Emerson. Residents of the trailer park reported hearing a boom just before 4:00 am, followed by the sound of a loud vehicle leaving the area. Shortly after the fire, investigators focused on a Chevy Blazer that allegedly was being driven by Charles Tatom at the time of the fire. The Blazer had a modified exhaust system that amplified the sound of its engine. 

During a forensic examination of the Chevy Blazer, investigators found a red stain on the interior of the rear passenger window. The stain tested positive for the presence of blood. DNA was recovered from the  sample that was consistent with originating from Cassie. Investigators recovered other DNA samples that pointed to both Cassie and Tatom being in the vehicle. A mixed sample of DNA was also recovered from a cigarette butt found in the Blazer that was consistent with both Tatom and Cassie. 

People who were familiar with Marlene Emerson reported to investigators that Emmerson had been associating with people involved in the outlaw motorcycle club community in the Colville area. One witness reported that Tatom hid a blood-stained knife near the home of a former leader in the outlaw motorcycle club community. According to the witness, Tatom later recovered the knife and claimed that the blood was from gutting an animal. A witness also reported that on the evening before the fire Tatom took some cans of gasoline from a shop on the property where he was living. This same witness reported that when Tatom returned the next morning, his hair appeared singed, and he had a burn on his ankle.  Another witness reported that he disposed of the seat covers from the Blazer the morning after the fire. 

The First-Degree Aggravated murder charges against Tatom carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

“I am grateful for the law enforcement agents and officers, who have dedicated more than two decades of their careers to identifying those responsible for Marlene and Cassie’s murders,” stated Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George. “The Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office remains committed to holding violent offenders accountable and seeking justice on behalf of victims and their families.” 

United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, “One of my top priorities as U.S. Attorney has been to strengthen our relationship with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. When we partner together, we are able to do so much more to keep Eastern Washington communities safe and strong.” 

The decades-long investigation was conducted by the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, ATF, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Stevens County Prosecuting Attorney, Erika George.  For many years, a parallel federal investigation was carried forward by Assistant United States Attorneys Earl Hicks and Timothy Ohms. In recent months, Timothy Ohms also assisted as a Special Stevens County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney.   

An information is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Fruit Juice Manufacturing Company And Its Former President Plead Guilty To Food Safety Crimes (Photo) -12/19/24 (Photo)

The former president and primary owner of the now-closed fruit juice manufacturer Valley Processing Inc. (VPI) in Sunnyside, Washington, pleaded guilty this week to two misdemeanor charges related to the manufacture and sale of tainted fruit juice products in violation of federal food safety laws.

Mary Ann Bliesner, 83, pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts under the Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act (FDCA), including failing to register a food facility with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Bliesner also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor FDCA violation in connection with failing to prevent and correct VPI’s introduction of adulterated grape juice concentrate into interstate commerce, including grape juice concentrate that was delivered to a customer for use in the National School Lunch Program. VPI pleaded guilty to conspiracy to introduce adulterated and misbranded fruit juice into interstate commerce, including selling tainted fruit juice to customers. Bliesner and VPI agreed to pay a criminal forfeiture amount of $742,139 as proceeds of their criminal conduct.

In pleading guilty, VPI admitted that it conspired to distribute tainted and potentially unsafe apple and grape juice to customers in the United States and abroad between October 2012 and June 2019. VPI admitted that it misrepresented to customers the age and quality of VPI’s products. VPI admitted that it blended grape juice concentrate, which was stored outside the VPI facility for years and exposed to the elements, with newer grape juice concentrate, and sold the resulting blended grape juice product to unsuspecting customers as if it were new product. VPI sold at least some of this contaminated product to customers who provided grape juice for the National School Lunch Program, which provides free or reduced-cost lunches to children.

Bliesner and VPI admitted that they failed to register a food facility, known as the “Grape Road Facility,” with the FDA. Bliesner and VPI used the Grape Road Facility to store earlier seasons’ unsold grape juice concentrate, sometimes for years, in large concrete vats that were not properly covered or cooled. Bliesner and VPI admitted that product stored at the Grape Road Facility was adulterated, unsafe and unfit for consumption. According to VPI’s plea agreement, during a May 2018 FDA inspection, employees placed caution tape over the entrance to the room at the Grape Road Facility with the concrete storage vats. VPI employees then told FDA investigators that the facility was unsafe to enter and that it contained no juice or juice products. According to the VPI plea agreement, FDA investigators later learned about the vats and, after entering the room, observed grape juice concentrate that testing later confirmed was contaminated with bird and rodent feces, fur, insects, decaying remains of animals, mold, yeast and other contaminants. FDA inspectors also observed and photographed a live rat walking across the hardened crust that had formed on top of the grape juice concentrate.  

In November 2020, the United States filed a civil complaint in federal court seeking to enjoin Bliesner and VPI from producing, storing or selling juice or juice products. In January 2021, Bliesner and VPI agreed to a consent injunction barring Bliesner and VPI from processing, manufacturing, preparing, packing, holding or distributing any type of food without first notifying and receiving approval from the FDA. VPI subsequently closed. Bliesner and the company no longer manufacture or sell juice products. In September 2022, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bliesner and VPI with 12 counts of fraud and food safety crimes.

“Protecting the safety of American’s food supply is essential,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will take action whenever appropriate to ensure the individuals and companies that produce our food maintain safe facilities and tell the truth to their customers and the FDA.”

“Bliesner and her company, Valley Processing, produced juice in filthy and unsafe conditions, mis-labeled that product, and then sold it to the National School Lunch Program that serves low-income school children,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref for the Eastern District of Washington. “School children deserve safe and nutritious food. Nothing is more important that the health and safety of our children. I commend the excellent work by investigators with the Food and Drug Administration and prosecutors in my office who uncovered and stopped this conduct and are protecting our public health.”

“Companies that mislead consumers and the FDA by selling adulterated products manufactured and stored under insanitary conditions place the public health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Iwanicki of the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office. “In this case, the company’s actions put at risk the health of consumers, including schoolchildren, who consumed the fruit juice. FDA will continue to pursue and hold accountable those who attempt to subvert our regulatory processes at the expense of consumer safety.”

Bliesner and VPI will face a sentencing hearing on March 26, 2025. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations investigated the case.

Trial Attorney James Hennelly and Senior Trial Attorney David Gunn of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Devin Curda for the Eastern District of Washington are prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement that can be found here. 

For more information about the enforcement efforts of the Consumer Protection Branch, visit their website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch.

Federal Judge Orders Lower Yakima Valley Dairies To Test Wells And Provide Safe Drinking Water To Area Residents At Risk From Nitrate-Contaminated Wells -12/19/24

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that today, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice granted the United States’s motion for preliminary injunction and ordered three large dairies located north of Granger, Washington, in the Lower Yakima Valley to provide well testing and bottled water or water treatment systems to nearby community members at risk from nitrate-contaminated wells.

This action, brought under the Safe Drinking Water Act, seeks to ensure access to safe and clean drinking water and is part of the lawsuit, filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in June of 2024, that alleges that dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley have contributed nitrate to the area’s groundwater and contaminated drinking water wells. Nitrate is an acute contaminant. A single exposure can pose serious health risks, including a condition in infants known as methemoglobinemia, or “blue baby syndrome,” that can result in death. 

In the court’s order granting the United States’ motion for preliminary injunction, the court ordered the dairies to test drinking water wells in an area up to 3.5 miles downgradient of the dairies and to provide and maintain reverse-osmosis water treatment systems or bottled water to homes where this testing finds nitrate levels above 10 milligrams per liter. The court also ordered the dairies to immediately conduct groundwater monitoring and test a lined lagoon for leaks.

This ruling is part of an ongoing legal action against the dairies. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the DOJ also seek to address the risk to nearby residents from the dairies’ ongoing contamination of groundwater and to resolve the dairies’ failure to comply with outstanding requirements of their 2013 agreement with EPA.

“Everyone deserves access to clean, safe drinking water,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to protecting the health and safety of all Washington residents. Strong and fair enforcement of public health and environmental laws protect our families and make our region safer and stronger.”   

Dan Opalski, Deputy Regional Administrator for EPA’s Region 10 office in Seattle said, “EPA is committed to continuing its work with public health agencies, community groups, and the agriculture industry to address the complex public health challenges of legacy and ongoing nitrate contamination in the Lower Yakima Valley.”         

The EPA is urging nearby residents to visit EPA’s Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater webpage to learn whether their well is in the area affected by the ruling and to accept upcoming offers for well testing. To comply with the court’s order, the dairies must submit a plan for testing residential wells within 30 days and complete the testing within 60 days of EPA’s approval of a plan. People can also call the EPA’s dedicated hotline at 509-204-1941 or 888-508-6344 for more information. 

For residences located outside of the area impacted by today’s ruling, free well testing and alternative water is available from the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area Safe Drinking Water Initiative or by calling 866-886-7117.

Two Washington Men Found Guilty Of Producing And Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material -12/17/24

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that a jury returned a verdict in the trial of Tony J. Bolen, age 43, and Casey Allen Greer, age 47. Bolen and Greer were found guilty of Production of Child Pornography, Conspiracy to Produce Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender. Greer was additionally found guilty of Distribution of Child Pornography, and Bolen was found guilty of one count each of Receipt and Transportation of Child Pornography. 

Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning in October 2021, and continuing to December 2021, Bolen and Greer worked together to produce child sexual abuse material of a young child that Greer had been sexually abusing since as early as May 2021. Both Bolen and Greer discussed when Greer would have access to the minor and how Greer would medicate the victim to ensure the victim’s compliance during the sexual abuse. Greer also repeatedly sent images and videos of the sexual abuse to Bolen. In written text messages, Bolen also directed Greer to sexually abuse the victim in a specific way, record the abuse, and send it to him. 

Bolen and Greer both have prior Washington State convictions for Child Molestation. Because of these convictions, Bolen and Greer were required under state and federal law to register as sex offenders. 

“My heart goes out to the young victim in this case. The harm and trauma that Mr. Bolen and Mr. Greer caused will last long after this trial, but I am hopeful the guilty verdicts provide some comfort and closure to the victim and their loved ones. I am grateful for the investigators and prosecutors that work every day to prevent horrific victimization of children, remove dangerous offenders from our community, and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

“The Washington State Patrol is honored to be a part of the team that successfully worked this case.  We will always do our best to protect our vulnerable children and make our communities safer,” said Chief John R. Batiste.

United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke presided over the trial for Bolen and Greer, which began December 9, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set April 23, 2025, in Spokane, Washington.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

This case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations, the Washington State Patrol, and Spokane Police Department, as part of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ann T. Wick and Laurel J. Holland. 

U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement that can be viewed here. 

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Spokane Valley Woman Sentenced To Federal Prison For Drug Trafficking -12/17/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 17, 2024, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Shannon Ray Ault, age 38, of Spokane Valley, Washington, to 10 years in prison on drug distribution charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in February of 2024, investigators with the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) conducted a “controlled buy” of two pounds of methamphetamine from Ault. The controlled buy, which involved the purchase of the illegal drugs, was carefully monitored and controlled by ATF agents. 

After the controlled buy, Ault was arrested in Spokane.   At the time of her arrest, Ault was sitting inside her car with several fentanyl pills in her lap. In connection with her arrest, agents searched Ault’s car. During the search, ATF located $1,627 in cash and an airsoft gun that looked like an AR-style rifle. ATF also recovered drug ledgers, which confirmed that Ault was distributing relatively large quantities of methamphetamine and illicit fentanyl pills. 

“Ms. Ault was responsible for distributing a significant quantity of deadly drugs into our community, said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working closely with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, my office will continue to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities to keep neighborhoods safe from illegal narcotics and criminal drug networks.” 

“ATF will always investigate those causing great harm to our communities,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Ms. Ault is one of those, and this sentence is appropriate for her illegal actions.”

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Spokane Business Owner Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Violate The Clean Air Act And Stealing COVID-19 Relief Funds -12/13/24

Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Pavel Ivanovich Turlak, and his Spokane-based trucking companies; PT Express, LLC, Spokane Truck Service, LLC, and Pauls Trans, LLC pleaded guilty to conspiring to illegally violate Clean Air Act emissions controls and to fraudulently obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funding.  Turlak is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. in Spokane, Washington.

Under the Clean Air Act, diesel trucks are required to maintain systems and components that limit harmful emissions of dangerous pollutants such as diesel particulates. Exposure to diesel exhaust can lead to serious health conditions like asthma and respiratory illnesses. Exposure also can worsen existing heart and lung disease, especially in children and the elderly. Heavy-duty diesel trucks are also required under the Clean Air Act to maintain an onboard-diagnostic system which monitors the functionality of the hardware emissions control components.  To ensure that the required emissions control systems are functioning properly, if the system detects that an emissions control component is not working, or has been removed, it will ultimately put the truck into what is known as “limp mode,” which limits the top speed to as low as 5 miles per hour.

Based on the plea agreement accepted by the court and information disclosed during court proceedings, between August 2017 and November 2023, Turlak purchased illegal “delete tune” files from Florida-based Ryan Hugh Milliken and his company, Hardaway Solutions, LLC. The files were designed to disable and defeat required emissions controls and monitoring systems. Turlak loaded the delete tunes into his own trucks used in his businesses, as well as trucks of co-conspirators who were customers of Spokane Truck Service, LLC. Milliken and Hardway Solutions, LLC pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Air Act in November 2024. 

In addition to violating the Clean Air Act, Turlak also admitted to fraudulently obtaining hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 Relief funding. Between March 2020 and August 2021, Turlak falsely and fraudulently applied for and received more than $300,000 in federal funding that was designated to go to eligible small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Turlak and his businesses were not eligible to receive this funding due to their ongoing participation in a conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act; yet, Turlak and his businesses falsely certified that they were eligible for this funding.

As a condition of the plea agreement, Turlak and his companies entered a compliance agreement to ensure that their trucks protect the public health and comply with Clean Air Act requirements going forward. 

“Mr. Turlak pursued a business of profiting from pollution. By installing emission defeat devices in his own vehicles and the vehicles of others, he sought an illegal competitive advantage and evaded important safeguards designed to protect public health and the environment,” stated U.S Attorney Waldref. “Families in Eastern Washington deserve to breathe cleaner air, and I am grateful for our partners on our Environmental Task Force who are committed to protecting our community. Working together we will continue to ensure a healthy, high quality of life and keep our region safe and strong.”

This case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center, the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the Spokane Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jacob E. Brooks, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell, are prosecuting the case.

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Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland Named HSI Prosecutor Of The Year For Eastern Washington (Photo) -12/13/24 (Photo)

United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Laurel Holland was selected as the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Prosecutor of the Year for the Eastern District of Washington. 

AUSA Holland is a founding member of the U.S. Attorney’s Branch Office in Richland, Washington, joining the office in June 2023. Throughout her career, which has included service as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Benton County and as an AUSA in Yakima, Washington, AUSA Holland has been recognized for her extensive work prosecuting cases involving the exploitation of young children. 

A recent example is the prosecution of Lucas Murphy. In August 2024, Murphy was convicted of Online Enticement of a Minor for abducting a minor from Kennewick, Washington, to New Mexico. AUSA Holland’s relentless pursuit of justice was instrumental to holding Murphy accountable.

In just the past year alone, AUSA Holland prosecuted several significant child exploitation offenders. For example, she obtained a significant sentence for Tri-cities man, who attempted to meet a 13-year old for sex in United States v. Julio Cesar Anaya. She obtained a fifteen year sentence in United States v. Gerald Alan Nott against a repeat offender, who distributed more than 1600 child pornography images, using his parents’ home internet in Richland, Washington.  In United States v. Bret Michael Emineth and Malesa Hale, she and co-counsel obtained a 30 year sentence and a 28 year sentence for two co-defendants who had sexually and physically abused their victim for over four years. Her efforts provide victims with a sense of resolution, supported by the victim assistance resources she ensures are available throughout the legal process.

AUSA Holland stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office could not do this important work without the support of HSI and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.  The dedication of these agents and officers to protecting vulnerable children makes a lasting impact to our communities, keeping Eastern Washington safe and strong.”

“Assistant United States Attorney Laurel Holland is tireless in her pursuit of justice on behalf of the young and most vulnerable among us. She approaches each case with compassion for the victim and is dedicated to holding offenders accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Her skill expands beyond her advocacy. AUSA Holland spends considerable time training and mentoring law enforcement and prosecutors. I am proud to count AUSA Holland as a member of our office and offer my sincere congratulations for this well-deserved honor.” 

Justice Department Secures Agreement To Protect Students In Washington State School District From Harassment Based On Sex, Race And National Origin -12/12/24

The Justice Department announced today an agreement with Ellensburg School District in Washington State to resolve the department’s investigation into allegations that students were harassed and discriminated against based on sex, race, color and national origin.

The investigation, conducted jointly by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, found that Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ students in the district had endured widespread harassment, including taunts, intimidation, humiliation, epithets, slurs and death threats. Some students also were physically assaulted by other students at school. The school district’s failure to adequately respond despite its knowledge of this harassment left students vulnerable, leading some to miss class, drop school activities, avoid areas of campus and even transfer or leave school altogether.

“All students, whether Black, Latino or LGBTQ+, have a right to attend school free from fear and harassment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “A school should be a place where students feel safe and supported. The department stands by these students and will ensure that schools respond quickly and effectively to protect students if they face harassment.”

“Protecting the civil rights of all students is critical to ensuring a safe learning environment,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref for the Eastern District of Washington. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the Ellensburg School District for its full cooperation throughout the investigation and its commitment to improving the educational environment for students through reforming its response to reports of harassment. This agreement will give the district tools to prevent and address harassment and create a healthier and supportive environment for student learning and development.”

The department opened the investigation in August 2023 under Titles IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The department reviewed records from the 2021-22 through 2023-24 school years and interviewed over 100 people, including current and former students, employees and parents. The district fully cooperated during the investigation.

The department’s investigation found that the district failed to take effective action despite being aware of an environment in which Black, Latino and LGBTQ+ students experienced slurs, taunts and physical assaults based on race, national origin and sex. Black students faced frequent use of the N-word and other racial slurs by their classmates; Latino students were openly subjected to epithets like “beaner,” “wetback” and “mixed-breed”; and LGBTQ+ students endured widespread, ongoing and severe sex-based harassment by their peers, including gendered slurs, public graffiti and intimidation. The district’s insufficient response allowed the harassment to continue and even escalate, denying students equal access to the district’s educational programs.

Under the settlement agreement, Ellensburg School District will implement critical reforms including:

• Retaining a third-party consultant to support the school district in implementing the agreement and creating a discrimination-free educational environment for all students;
• Designating a district coordinator to oversee the effective resolution of reports of harassment;
• Designating a Spanish-speaking liaison to Latino families to ensure that the school district hears and responds to their complaints;
• Creating a new electronic reporting system to track and manage all reports of harassment and the district’s responses to such reports;
• Updating policies and procedures to ensure the district responds promptly and effectively to all reports of harassment and provides appropriate support services to affected students;
• Training all staff and students on how to identify and report harassment; and
• Implementing an annual climate assessment through surveys and listening sessions with students, parents, and school employees so that the district can identify and respond to harassment trends and concerns in the school community.

Enforcing civil rights laws to protect students from harassment is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt and additional information about the work of the Educational Opportunities Section is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section.

Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov/.  

View the agreement in Spanish here.

View the summary of the agreement here.

View the summary of the agreement in Spanish here.

U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement that can be found here. 

Spokane Fraudster Sentenced To More Than 3 Years In Federal Prison For Operating A Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme And Defrauding Investors Of More Than $350,000 -12/11/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 11, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Michael Joseph McElhiney, age 38, formerly of Spokane, Washington, to 41 months  in federal prison in connection to cryptocurrency scheme where he defrauded investors of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, $326,119.95 in restitution, and ordered McElhiney to be immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service following the hearing.

According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, McElhiney defrauded investors by pretending to operate a cryptocurrency investment fund known as MAC Blockchain Solutions. As part of his scheme, which occurred between March 4, 2021, and September 10, 2022, McElhiney promised prospective investors that he and his purported business partners ran a successful cryptocurrency investment fund that invested in emerging cryptocurrencies and other blockchain-based projects, such as Ethereum staking and cryptocurrency liquidity pools.

McElhiney typically contacted his victims in person. For example, he solicited individuals working as Uber drivers whom he met while taking Uber rides in their vehicles, as well as women whom he met through dating apps. McElhiney also met victims online playing the video game “Call of Duty” under the username “Bing Bong.” McElhiney often met with victims several times and developed personal relationships with them before successfully soliciting and receiving funds.

McElhiney promised to invest his victims’ money and manage their investments for his victims’ benefit. For example, McElhiney promised certain returns on victims’ investments and always assured investors they could liquidate their investments and get their money back at any time. McElhiney then sent investors information using a platform called Coin.FYI that purported to track the progress of their investments. In actuality, McElhiney never invested the funds provided by investors, but instead kept the funds for his own personal use, specifically to gamble at casinos, among other purposes. The purported Coin.FYI accounts that McElhiney showed investors did not correspond to any actual investment funds but instead were fabricated figures intended to convince investors that McElhiney had invested their funds and that the investments were appreciating in value.

McElhiney defrauded investors of more than $350,000 in this manner, including defrauding investors not only of cash but also of rare art and precious metals.

McElhiney continued to falsely and fraudulently represent to victims that their assets had been invested in a cryptocurrency fund when victims sought to remove their assets from the “fund.” McElhiney falsely and fraudulently represented that he could not timely return victims’ assets because, among other reasons: MAC Solutions had experienced security breaches; McElhiney was out of the country and unable to facilitate withdrawals; McElhiney and MAC Blockchain Solutions had been the victims of theft; payment processing platforms had paused withdrawals; and there were other delays in processing withdrawals.

“Investors, trusting Mr. McElhiney with their money, art, and precious metals expected a safe return on their investment. Instead, Mr. McElhiney stole their money and used it for his own purposes. When investors asked for their money back, Mr. McElhiney lied to perpetuate the fraud, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m devastated for the victims who suffered financial and emotional consequences of Mr. McElhiney’s scheme, and am grateful for the skilled investigators with Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department and dedicated prosecutors in my office that uncovered this scheme and worked diligently to hold Mr. McElhiney accountable for his actions.”

"Today’s sentencing serves as a clear reminder that those who prey on the trust of others through fraudulent schemes will be held accountable,” said Matthew Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI Seattle. “This individual exploited the allure of digital currency to deceive and steal from countless investors. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who attempt to manipulate others for personal gain, regardless of the platform or technology they use. We appreciate the tireless work of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring individuals like McElhiney to justice.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. 

U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement that can be found here. 

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Jury Finds Lewiston Man Guilty Of Making Violent Threats To Kill Local Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, And Commit Mass Murder -12/11/24

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that a jury returned a verdict in the trial of Trevor J. Lunney, age 39. Lunney was found guilty of making threats to kill his lawyer, his prosecutor, and members of the public. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial in July of 2022, while on Washington State community custody for a previous conviction involving threats to kill, Lunney texted his state Department of Corrections (DOC) community corrections officer, among other threatening statements, that “. . . in 19 days, mass violence becomes inevitable.” Lunney also discussed with his DOC officer his plan to commit a school shooting at an Asotin County School District School he stated would be “Sandy Hook Part II” and to commit a mass shooting at a parade at the Asotin County Fair.  Upon being contacted by DOC officers, on July 18, 2022, Lunney continued to make specific threats regarding his plans to commit a mass shooting and, upon being evaluated by a mental health professional issued additional threats including his five-year-plan to “right injustice” by going to the Asotin County Fair Parade and live streaming his opening fire on a crowd.  Lunney also made repeated statements regarding his access to firearms at that time. 

Later that same day, July 18, 2022, Lunney was arrested by the Clarkston Police Department for his threats to commit mass shootings and was taken into custody at the Asotin County Jail where he remained in custody on felony charges, brought by the Asotin County Prosecutor’s Office, for his threats. 

Over a period of months while in the Asotin County Jail on the charges for the July threats, Lunney made a series of calls and emails and sent letters to family members and others, all of which he was told were being closely monitored at that time by law enforcement.  In his monitored in custody communications, Lunney repeatedly expressed his anger towards the criminal justice system in general and the assigned Asotin County deputy prosecutor as well as his own defense attorney in particular.  Lunney also repeatedly discussed his plans to obtain an AR-15 and commit mass murder based upon his specific plans to “do pure evil to countless souls.”  

On December 5th, 2022, while awaiting trial for the July threats, Lunney’s anger towards the local criminal justice system culminated in an email he sent from the Asotin County Jail  where he stated, “I want to have a murder-suicide with my lawyer when I leave here. . .” and “I want to kill my lawyer and the prosecutors when I get out. . .” referencing “attacking a crowd” and that stating that “I can’t even say what I have planned.”

United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the two-day trial for Lunney, which began December 9, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for March 13, 2025, at 10:00 am in Spokane, Washington.

“Mr. Lunney made terrifying threats to commit violence to include murdering his lawyer, the Asotin County Prosecutor, and plans to carry out a mass shooting targeting people at public events and children attending school,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The verdict announced today will keep Mr. Lunney in prison and will hopefully allow him to get the mental health treatment he needs. I am thankful for the investigators and prosecutors who successfully tried this case and work every day to keep our communities safe and strong.” 

“Threats of violence have serious consequences as they disrupt lives, incite fear, and post significant risks to the community,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI takes all threats of violence very seriously and will work alongside our partners to keep our communities safe.”

This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter. 

U.S. Attorney Waldref released a video statement that can be found here. 

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Arkansas Man Sentenced To More Than 16 Years In Federal Prison For A Scheme To Obtain More Than $16 Million In COVID-19 Relief Funds -12/05/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 5, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Tyler Keith Andrews, age 39, of Russellville, Arkansas, to 196 months in federal prison in connection to a scheme to obtain millions of dollars in COVID-19 funds by directing, assisting, facilitating, and submitting false and fraudulent loan applications. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, restitution of $16,330,814.30 to the Small Business Administration, and forfeiture of $4,300,474.75.  

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) program, offered forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in order to retain or rehire employees who lost their jobs, or were in danger of doing so, due to the pandemic. Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low interest loans that could be deferred until the conclusion of the pandemic to provide “bridge” funding for small businesses to maintain their operations during shutdowns and other economic circumstances caused by the pandemic. The PPP and EIDL programs have provided billions of dollars in aid, the vast majority of which has not been paid back, including hundreds of millions of dollars disbursed within Eastern Washington.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between June 2020 and May 2022, Andrews, then a resident of Arkansas, directed, assisted, and facilitated the submission of dozens of EIDL loan applications using false and fraudulent information on behalf of his co-conspirators, including co-conspirators in the Eastern District of Washington. Andrews charged his co-conspirators a fee, usually 10% of the loan amount, to paid after receipt of the funding. In total, Andrews assisted co-conspirators in obtaining at least $13,449,179 in EIDL funding. 

Andrews also submitted numerous false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of his own businesses, including Andrews Associates, Inc., Texas Oil and Gas Express, Inc., Total Logistic Solutions, and numerous other businesses. In the applications, Andrews misrepresented active status, payroll, number of employees, revenue, and other information in order to obtain EIDL and PPP funding. In total, Andrews obtained at least $3,253,541 in PPP and EIDL funding for his own businesses. Andrews’s company, TE Andrews Holdings, LLC, obtained an additional $1,232,000 in Small Business Administration loan programs. 

According to Court documents, after originally being released pending trial following his initial Indictment and arrest, in July 2023, Andrews was arrested and indicted by a grand jury in the Western District of Arkansas for passport fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with attempting to fraudulently obtain a passport using false information in an apparent attempt to flee the United States. 

“Mr. Andrews developed a fraudulent scheme to assist and advise others on how to lie and cheat in order to obtain millions in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds – funds that were supposed to help small and local businesses that were struggling to stay afloat during a global crisis. He then took a percentage off the top of the over 13 million dollars fraudulently obtained through his scheme,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.  “I am proud of the work my office’s COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force.  Our skilled prosecutors and law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in tracking down fraudsters and holding them accountable.”

“Mr. Andrews took advantage of a program meant to help Americans affected by the pandemic to enrich himself.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While legitimate small business owners were struggling to stay open and pay employees, he fraudulently obtained millions in assistance funding. Despite his efforts to conceal the fraud, the dedication of the investigators and prosecutors were able to bring his scheme to an end.”

"Today’s charges highlight our unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of SBA programs,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Exploiting relief efforts for personal gain undermines public trust and deprives legitimate businesses of essential assistance. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their support and dedication to ensuring that those who engage in fraudulent schemes are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” 

In February 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref and the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) began working with federal law enforcement agencies to create and launch a COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force that would leverage partnerships between different agencies to aggressively investigate and prosecute fraud against COVID-19 relief programs in Eastern Washington. The Strike Force consists of agency representatives from the USAO, Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Department of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs OIG, General Services Administration OIG, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) OIG, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Energy OIG, Department of Labor (DOL), and others.

This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, the FBI, the Small Business Administration, and TIGTA. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. U.S. Attorney Waldref also wishes to thank the Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Arkansas for their assistance and coordination. 

A video statement from U.S. Attorney Waldref can be found here. 

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Fraud Ringleader And Former Fugitive William Mize Sentenced To 12 Years In Federal Prison, Ordered To Pay $7.1 Million In Restitution -12/05/24

Spokane, Washington – On December 5, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced William Oldham Mize to 144 months in federal prison in connection to a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme involving false and fabricated insurance claims. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release and $6,657,209.00 in restitution to insurance companies and $436,399.00 in restitution to the IRS. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Mize was the ringleader of a massive insurance fraud scheme to intentionally cause automobile and boat collisions as well as staged home “accidents” in order to file false and fraudulent insurance claims and collect the proceeds.  According to court documents, the scheme took place between 2013 and 2018, involved numerous staged collisions in Washington and Nevada, and obtained more than $6 million, most of which was kept by Mize. The United States seized and forfeited more than $2 million in assets – including numerous houses, cars, boats, and cash – from Mize and his co-conspirators and has returned that money to the victims of his crime. 

Mize originally appeared in federal court on his indictment on January 9, 2019. Following his initial appearance, he was released pending trial. In July 2019, Mize fled from supervision and became a fugitive, living under a number of false identities. 

On November 28, 2023, the U.S. Marshals apprehended Mize in Jacksonville, Florida based on a lead that Mize, using a false identity, was attempting to sell a yacht in which was living in the Jacksonville area. Mize was then located and arrested at a marina in central Florida and transported to Eastern Washington, where he has remained in custody.

“For many years Mr. Mize recruited, directed, and elaborately staged automobile and boat collisions as well as other injury accidents to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars. Not only did this scheme cause serious physical harm to his co-conspirators, including his wife and children, but it placed the community in significant danger. Furthermore, Mr. Mize defrauded the public out of more than $400,000 by cheating on his taxes. When indicted by prosecutors in my office, Mr. Mize fled, to avoid accountability for his crimes,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am grateful for the dedication of the U.S. Marshals who located and returned Mr. Mize to the Eastern District and prosecutors and investigators who worked many hours over the years to achieve justice in this case.”

“I want to commend and express special thanks for the exceptional investigative work done by the talented agents and investigative professionals with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, and the United States Marshals Service.  Their close collaboration and partnership, and their persistence and hard work throughout a complex and lengthy investigation, are what made this result possible.  We look forward to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to strengthen and safeguard Eastern Washington,” said Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter. 

“Mr. Mize spent years living off the misery he caused.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While he enriched himself, his co-conspirators, which included family members, were left with physical injuries and jail sentences. To make matters worse, rather than answer for his crimes, he became a fugitive for almost five years. I would like to commend our investigators, partners, and specifically the US Marshals Service, who ultimately tracked him down and took him into custody.”

“Mr. Mize endangered his family and the public for money,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “As long as money is a motivation for crime, we will assist our law enforcement partners with investigations like this one.”

“The elaborate fraud schemes that William Mize orchestrated not only caused financial injury to various insurance companies, but these crimes add to the cost for responsible citizens to have insurance.  It should also not be forgotten that the collisions, and physical injuries to those participating in the schemes, were acts of unconscionable violence and added risk to the public.  Mize fled after his original appearance in federal court, which led to a long and protracted fugitive investigation,” said Craig Thayer, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington. “The partnership and teamwork between local, state, and federal agencies including the IRS and FBI was instrumental in the eventual arrest of Mize. Judge Rice has now made Mize accountable with today’s sentence and order for restitution.” 

The FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Marshals Service investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Brian M. Donovan prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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Kennewick Detective Recognized With Attorney General's Award For Distinguished Service In Community Policing -12/04/24

Richland, Washington - Attorney General Merrick B. Garland today announced the recipients of the Seventh Annual Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community Policing, including Detective Liz Grant of the Kennewick Police Department. 

This prestigious award recognizes law enforcement officers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to strengthening trust, promoting community engagement, and enhancing public safety.

Guided by exceptional instincts and an unwavering commitment to justice, Detective Grant connected a series of sexual assaults to a single individual. Her painstaking investigative work, combined with her compassion for victims and ability to earn their trust, led to the suspect receiving a 226-year prison sentence – an outcome that underscores the power of her dedication to pursuing justice. 

“Detective Grant’s extraordinary investigative abilities and dedication to supporting victims makes a powerful impact on the Tri-Cities community.  Through her skill, compassion, and work ethic, she builds trust with victims and delivers impressive case results in the courtroom,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Detective Grant’s engagement with her community makes it a safer and strong place to live. I extend my heartfelt congratulations for this well-deserved recognition.”

“Community policing is essential to building trust and ensuring public safety,” said Attorney General Garland. “These officers have gone above and beyond their duty to foster partnerships with the communities they serve. Their work is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the profound impact law enforcement can have on individuals, neighborhoods, and society.”

The Attorney General’s Award recognizes individual state, local, and Tribal sworn officers, deputies, and troopers for exceptional efforts in community policing. The awarded individuals have demonstrated active engagement with the community in one of three areas: criminal investigations, field operations, or innovations in community policing.

The awardees were selected from a nationwide pool of nominees for their outstanding achievements in fostering safer, more inclusive communities.

The Department of Justice commends these officers for their service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to their communities. For more information about the awards, visit www.justice.gov.

Spokane Man With Multiple Domestic Violence Convictions Sentenced To Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm -12/03/24

Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Orlando L. Peterson, age 34, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Person Convicted of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 25 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on September 6, 2022, Peterson got into an altercation with his ex-girlfriend at his home, pushed her down some stairs, and stole a 9mm handgun from her purse. After the ex-girlfriend left the home, Peterson located her a short distance away and confronted her while he was holding the handgun. 

When Spokane Police contacted Peterson, he was in the car with another woman. The woman gave officers an extended pistol magazine she stated Peterson had asked her to hide. 

Later that day, Spokane Police executed a search warrant at Peterson’s home. Police found the handgun Peterson took, along with multiple rounds of assorted ammunition. Peterson was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of multiple convictions for misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence. 

In October 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref announced her office’s Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative to prevent domestic violence homicides and prevent abusers who have previously been convicted of domestic violence offenses from having access to firearms. Partnering with the Yakima Police Department, Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, and domestic violence prevention advocates, the U.S. Attorney’s Office focuses enforcement on individuals identified as repeat domestic violence abusers who unlawfully possess firearms.

“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence and fear of gun violence.  Here, Mr. Peterson pushed his ex-girlfriend down stairs and then later confronted her with a loaded gun, said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office, through our Safe Homes, Safe Community initiative focuses our enforcement efforts on repeat offenders, particularly those with a history of domestic violence and, like Mr. Peterson, are prohibited from having access to firearms. In so doing, we are protecting victims, law enforcement officers who respond to volatile domestic abuse situations, and the entire community.” 

“Firearms in the hands of convicted domestic abusers are an extreme danger to our families and our communities,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “So, this sentence is well justified and ensures that Mr. Peterson is safely away from our community for the imposed time period. We will always focus on investigating domestic abusers who use firearms in the furtherance of their violent crimes.”

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael L. Vander Giessen and Michael J. Ellis. 

U.S. Attorney Waldref recorded a video statement that can be found here.  

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Spokane Accountant Sentenced For Stealing More Than $715,000 From Spokane Medical Practice -11/27/24

Spokane, Washington – On November 27, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Carol Dacaymat Casilla to 24 months in federal prison in connection with Casilla’s fraud and embezzlement  of more than $715,000 from a Spokane medical practice at which she was employed between 2020 and 2023. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution to the victims in the amount of $715,255.09. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between May 2020 and March 2023, Casilla was employed as an accountant by Spokane Dermatology Clinic (SDC), a dermatological practice located in Spokane. While employed at SDC, Casilla used her position to fraudulently issue company checks to herself and deposit them into her own personal accounts, and to make electronic funds transfers using company funds toward her personal credit cards. According to court documents, some of the transfers were made to a fictitious company that Casilla created in order to make it appear as though the transfers were for legitimate company expenditures. Casilla made hundreds of fraudulent transfers in this manner, stealing more than $715,000 in total.

“Ms. Casilla betrayed her employer’s trust and stole hundreds of thousands of dollars,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Accountants and financial professionals like Ms. Casilla are given a significant amount of control over a company’s finances. This sentence should send a message that those who abuse their positions of trust  to enrich themselves will be held accountable.  I want to especially commend the stellar investigative work in this case done by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency.  We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who commit fraud and financial crimes.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency.  Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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United States Attorney's Office Honors Native American Heritage Month (Photo) -11/27/24 (Photo)

On Friday, November 8, 2024, United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref, Executive Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Derrig, Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin Seal, and Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse attended the Yakama Nation Veteran’s Powwow in White Swan, Washington. At the Powwow, U.S. Attorney Waldref and AUSA Black Horse recognized Missing and Murdered (MMIP) survivors, families, and their advocates in a red dress special and honor song.  U.S. Attorney Waldref’s efforts to improve public safety in Indian country and the leadership she has demonstrated in improving the federal response to MMIP, including bringing the Northwest MMIP AUSA position to the Eastern District of Washington, also were recognized at the event.

On Friday, November 12, 2024, AUSA Black Horse presented at the Yakima Domestic Violence Coalition Meeting, where AUSA Black Horse discussed the importance of applying a trauma-informed approach to domestic violence and child abuse involving American Indian and Alaska Native survivors.  AUSA Black Horse also provided a training regarding culturally sensitive practices for helping victims of violent crimes in Indian country.

On Thursday, November 14, 2024, AUSA Bree Black Horse, alongside the Yakama Nation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Washington Attorney General’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol took part in a community presentation at the Yakama Nation Winter Lodge. AUSA Black Horse, along with several of our state, federal, local, and Tribal partners shared resources available to families of victims to help them achieve justice for their loved ones. 

On November 18, 2024, AUSA Black Horse shared experiences from her legal career and the reasons she was led to serve Tribal communities through her work at the Justice Department with the Spokane Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol.

Later that same evening, U.S. Attorney Waldref and AUSA Black Horse led a panel discussion at the Gonzaga University School of Law hosted by the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Together, U.S. Attorney Waldref and AUSA Black Horse discussed the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis and celebrated the advocacy of indigenous women in bringing critical resources to support Tribal justice and address the root causes of the MMIP crisis.

On November 21, 2024, The Justice Management Division (JMD) Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Staff and DOJ Office of Tribal Justice hosted a nation-wide virtual program in observance of Native American Heritage Month. AUSA Black Horse presented on her role as an AUSA dedicated to prosecuting MMIP cases in the northwestern United States. 

“My office is committing to seeking justice for all who call Eastern Washington home,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.  “The United States has a special trust relationship with each of the Tribes in Eastern Washington.  We will continue to engage in listening sessions and engage in community outreach to ensure victims’ voices are heard and their cries for help are answered.”

More information on Native American Heritage Month is available at https://www.nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov/ . 

Additional information regarding the Washington State Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People Task Force is available at https://www.atg.wa.gov/washington-state-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women-and-people-task-force .