U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash.
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News Release
Armed Drug Dealer Sentenced To Eight Years In Federal Prison - 06/05/23

Spokane, WA – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Joseph William Baker, age 28, of Airway Heights, Washington, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison by Senior District Court Judge Wm. Fremming Nielsen. Baker was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute 5 Grams of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(B)(viii), stemming from a traffic stop on November 22, 2021. 

According to information disclosed during court proceedings, on November 22, 2021, the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (“WCSO”) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Baker in the Colfax, Washington area. Upon contact with WCSO deputies, Baker appeared extremely nervous and was shaking uncontrollably. He was unable to produce a driver’s license and advised the deputy that his driver’s license was suspended.  Baker was asked to get out of his car, and in doing so, the deputy noticed a bag of heroin on the floor of the vehicle.  A subsequent search of Baker’s person revealed methamphetamine in his pocket as well as just over $800 in U.S. Currency.  Baker admitted the money was from drug sales and that there was a loaded handgun in his car that may have been stolen. 

A state search warrant was obtained for Baker’s vehicle, and the WCSO located over 100 fentanyl-laced pills, approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, two ounces of heroin, two working digital scales with drug residue on them, and a loaded Smith & Wesson Bodyguard .380 ACP caliber semi-automatic firearm.  A record check on the firearm, and subsequent witness interviews, revealed the firearm was stolen from the Spokane area about a week prior to the traffic stop. After Baker’s federal indictment, he was released to attend drug treatment.  After about one week in treatment, Baker left, absconded from supervision, and was a fugitive for close to seven months before being located and rearrested.  

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Nielsen noted that drug trafficking is a very serious activity that harms the community. The Court explained that Baker’s activities fed the addictions of others and created additional addicts. Judge Nielsen further noted that Baker engaged in this dangerous conduct notwithstanding multiple prior felony convictions and a history of assaultive behavior.  As Judge Nielsen put it, Baker had “thumb[ed] his nose at the system,” by failing to appear for his criminal cases on at least twelve separate occasions. 

“I’m grateful for the professionalism and dedication of the federal and state law enforcement team, who work together to keep our communities safe,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Mr. Baker brought dangerous drugs into our community and possessed stolen firearms that put our neighborhood at risk. Today’s sentence reaffirms our Office’s commitment to prevent violence and holding individuals accountable for their crimes.”   

Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers stated, “I could not be more pleased with the outcome of this case and the cooperation we received from our federal partners. The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue every avenue we can to keep our communities, streets and neighborhoods safe from those who intend to violate the law and traffic in dangerous and deadly narcotics.”  He continued, “The public expects its law enforcement agencies to protect and serve. In order to do that, we must also hold people accountable.  Todays’ sentence demonstrates that in Whitman County and Eastern Washington accountability is the rule, not the exception.”

“Mr. Baker received many opportunities to bring his conduct in line with the law, but repeatedly chose not to do so,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson. “Our communities are safer when we remove armed drug dealers from our streets for an extended period of time.”

This case was investigated by the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard. 

Case No.: 2:22-CR-024-WFN

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