Eastern District of Washington
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Justice Department Secures Agreement to Protect Students in Washington State School District from Harassment based on Sex, Race and National OriginRead the Press Release
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 harassment, intimidation and death threats,” 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.
El Departamento de Justicia llega a un acuerdo para proteger a los estudiantes en un distrito escolar del estado de Washington contra el acoso por motivos de sexo, raza u origen nacionalRead the Press Release
El Departamento de Justicia anunció hoy un acuerdo con el Distrito Escolar de Ellensburg en el estado de Washington para resolver la investigación del departamento de las acusaciones de que los estudiantes fueron acosados y discriminados por motivos de sexo, raza, color de piel y origen nacional.
La investigación, realizada conjuntamente por la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Este de Washington, encontró que los estudiantes negros, latinos y LGBTQ+ del distrito habían sufrido acoso generalizado, incluidos burlas, intimidación, humillación, epítetos, calumnias y amenazas de muerte. Algunos estudiantes también fueron agredidos físicamente por otros estudiantes de la escuela. El hecho de que el distrito escolar no respondiera adecuadamente a pesar de su conocimiento de este acoso hizo que los estudiantes fueran vulnerables, lo que llevó a algunos a faltar a clase, abandonar las actividades escolares, evitar áreas del campus e incluso trasladarse a otra escuela o abandonarla por completo.
«Todos los estudiantes, ya sean negros, latinos o LGBTQ+, tienen derecho a asistir a la escuela sin acoso, intimidación ni amenazas de muerte», afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. «Una escuela debe ser un lugar donde los estudiantes pueden sentirse seguros y apoyados. El departamento apoya a estos estudiantes y se asegurará de que las escuelas respondan de forma rápida y eficaz para proteger a los estudiantes si se enfrentan a acoso».
“La protección de los derechos civiles de todos los estudiantes es fundamental para garantizar un entorno de aprendizaje seguro», comentó Vanessa Waldref, la Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Este de Washington. «La Fiscalía Federal elogia al distrito escolar de Ellensburg por su plena cooperación durante toda la investigación y su compromiso a mejorar el entorno educativo para los estudiantes mediante la reforma de su respuesta ante denuncias de acoso. Este acuerdo proporcionará al distrito herramientas para prevenir y abordar el acoso y crear un entorno más saludable que apoye el aprendizaje y el desarrollo de los estudiantes».
El departamento inició la investigación en agosto del 2023 en virtud de los Títulos IV y VI de la ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y el Título IX de las Enmiendas de Educación de 1972. El Departamento revisó los registros de los años escolares 2021-22 a 2023-24 y entrevistó a más de 100 personas, incluidos estudiantes, empleados y padres actuales y anteriores. El distrito cooperó plenamente durante la investigación.
La investigación del Departamento encontró que el distrito no tomó medidas eficaces a pesar de ser consciente de un entorno en el que los estudiantes negros, latinos y LGBTQ+ experimentaron calumnias, burlas y agresiones físicas por motivos de su raza, origen nacional y sexo. Los estudiantes negros se enfrentaron a un uso frecuente de la palabra despectiva que empieza por «N» y otros comentarios racistas por parte de sus compañeros de clase; los estudiantes latinos fueron expuestos abiertamente a epítetos como « frijolero», «mojado» y «mixed-breed» [de raza mexclada]; y los estudiantes LGBTQ+ soportaron acoso extendido, continuo y grave basado en el sexo por parte de sus compañeros, incluidos insultos de género, grafiti público e intimidación. La respuesta insuficiente del distrito permitió que el acoso continuara e incluso se intensificara, lo que negó a los estudiantes el acceso igualitario a los programas educativos del distrito.
En virtud del acuerdo de conciliación, el Distrito Escolar de Ellensburg implementará reformas críticas que incluyen:
- Contratar a un consultor externo para apoyar al distrito escolar en la implementación del acuerdo y la creación de un entorno educativo libre de discriminación para todos los estudiantes;
- Designar a un coordinador a nivel del distrito para supervisar la resolución eficaz de los informes de acoso;
- Designar a un oficial de enlace de habla hispana para las familias latinas para garantizar que el distrito escolar escuche y responda a sus quejas;
- Crear un nuevo sistema de denuncia electrónica para rastrear y gestionar todas las denuncias de acoso y las respuestas del distrito ante dichas denuncias;
- Actualizar los procedimientos y políticas para garantizar que el distrito responda de manera rápida y eficaz a todas las denuncias de acoso y proporcione servicios de apoyo adecuados a los estudiantes afectados;
- Capacitar a todo el personal y a los estudiantes sobre cómo identificar e declarar el acoso; y
- Implementar una evaluación anual del entorno a través de encuestas y sesiones de escucha con estudiantes, padres y empleados escolares para que el distrito pueda identificar y responder a las tendencias y preocupaciones de acoso en la comunidad escolar.
La aplicación de las leyes de derechos civiles para proteger a los estudiantes del acoso es una prioridad principal de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. Puede encontrar información adicional sobre la División de Derechos Civiles en www.justice.gov/crt, e información adicional sobre el trabajo de la Sección de Oportunidades Educativas está disponible en www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section.
Los miembros del público pueden informarnos de posibles infracciones de los derechos civiles en civilrights.justice.gov/report/.
El resumen del acuero está aquí.
Spokane Fraudster Sentenced to More than 3 Years in Federal Prison for Operating a Cryptocurrency Investment Scheme and Defrauding Investors of More than $350,000Read the Press Release
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 Mr. 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.
2:23-cr-00082-TOR
Jury Finds Lewiston Man Guilty of Making Violent Threats to Kill Local Prosecutor, Defense Attorney, and Commit Mass MurderRead the Press Release
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.
2:23-cr-00083-TOR
Fraud Ringleader and Former Fugitive William Mize Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison, Ordered to Pay $7.1 Million in RestitutionRead the Press Release
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.
2:18-cr-00232-TOR
Arkansas Man Sentenced to More than 16 Years in Federal Prison for a Scheme to Obtain More Than $16 Million in COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
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.
2:22-cr-00057-TOR
Kennewick Detective Recognized with Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service in Community PolicingRead the Press Release
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 FirearmRead the Press Release
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.
2:23-cr-00014-MKD
United States Attorney’s Office Honors Native American Heritage MonthRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Each year in November, communities across the United States celebrate National Native American Heritage Month. The Department of Justice also recognizes the tremendous contributions of Native American communities to the rich heritage and culture of Eastern Washington.
The 2024 national theme for Native American Heritage Month is Affirming Native Voices: Visibility, Leadership and Service. Consistent with this theme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office took part in several community events and presentations throughout November, including in Yakima, Spokane, and at the Gonzaga School of Law.
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 .
Spokane Accountant Sentenced for Stealing More than $715,000 from Spokane Medical PracticeRead the Press Release
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.
2:2023-cr-00085-TOR
Jury Finds Two Men Guilty of Double Murder on the Colville ReservationRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that a jury returned a verdict today in the trial of Zachary L. Holt, age 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 35. Holt and Tenzsley were found guilty on all seventeen counts presented at trial, including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm offenses. Holt also was convicted of First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Holt and Tenzsley went on a six-week crime spree that began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and continued until the Defendants’ arrests in Eastern Washington on October 21, 2022. Over these six weeks, Defendants Holt and Tenzsley committed home invasions as well as a robbery in Northern Idaho, and then took their firearms and much of the stolen property into Eastern Washington, where they shot and killed Gale and Jeremy Neal at about 4:21 p.m. on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. Gale and Jeremy Neal were shot twice inside their trailer during a failed robbery. Eyewitnesses described three armed men wearing masks, who arrived at the trailer in a red sedan. Surveillance video presented at trial showed the red sedan arrive at about 4:19 p.m. and depart two minutes and ten seconds later, at 4:21 p.m., just moments after the murder.
Approximately 30 minutes before the murders, Holt and Tenzsley were driving on a dirt road in the Keller area. Holt, who was speeding, swerved to miss a school bus, causing Holt’s vehicle to roll over into a ditch. Minutes later, Holt’s brother, Curry Pinkham, pulled up to give both Holt and Tenzsley a ride. Just before getting into Pinkham’s car, Holt and Tenzsley moved several firearms – including the murder weapon – and thousands rounds of ammunition out of the crashed car and into the red sedan – a 2007 Toyota Camry.
Testimony at trial established that Holt was upset about wrecking his car and demanded that Pinkham take them to a location where they could get more drugs and find someone to rob. Pinkham agreed to drive Holt to the home of a known drug dealer in the Keller area.
When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham arrived at the residence of the known drug dealer, Holt and Tenzsley put on rubber gloves and masks. Holt, Tenzsley and Pinkham then grabbed firearms out of the red sedan. Rather than go to the main residence, where the purported drug dealer lived, Holt and Tenzsley walked to the back of the property, where Gale Neal’s trailer was located. As Holt and Tenzsley approached, Jeremy Neal came to the door of the trailer. Holt immediately began demanding Neal’s money and property. Moments later, Holt fired two shots, killing Jeremy Neal. Holt then turned to Gale Neal, who leaned back into the couch in fear, and fired two more shots, killing Gale. Throughout, Tenzsley was standing guard, armed with a shotgun and his face covered by a mask.
After the robbery and murder, and while law enforcement was responding to the scene, Tenzsley, Holt, and Pinkham drove towards Nespelem, Washington. As Pinkham was driving the getaway car, Holt fired several additional shots – this time at law enforcement, who was attempting stop the red Camry. During the chase, a Colville Tribal Police Sergeant, who was cross-deputized as a federal officer, was hit in the forearm. Several additional bullets hit the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. After shooting the first officer, Holt opened fire at a second Colville Tribal Police Officer, who also had attempted to stop the red sedan. Evidence at trial established that Tenzsley reloaded firearm magazines as Holt continued to fire at law enforcement to evade apprehension after murdering the Neals.
When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham later arrived in the Nespelem area, the three men tried to hide the getaway car under a tarp and fled on foot. They also hid their firearms and ammunition throughout the Nespelem area. When Holt and Tenzsley finally were apprehended the next day, Tenzsley gave a false name. Holt got into fist fight with a concerned citizen, who had called the police just prior to Holt’s arrest.
During the investigation into the murders of Jeremy and Gale Neal, Tribal and federal law enforcement identified a series of other crimes that Holt and Tenzsley committed as part of their six-week crime spree and conspiracy. On September 3, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley robbed and severely assaulted a man at gunpoint inside his trailer in Latah County, Idaho. The pair stole ammunition, gun parts, the victim’s car keys, and a safe containing the title to the victim’s camper trailer. As Holt and Tenzsley were fleeing the robbery scene, they exchanged fire with the robbery victim.
Additional evidence established that on October 12, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley, who again were both armed, invaded two homes and assaulted multiple victims on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. The evidence at trial showed that Holt and Tenzsley were again looking for someone to rob when they committed these assaults. During the second home invasion that evening, Holt and Tenzsley shot a dog in the face on the Nez Perce Reservation. Fortunately, the dog survived the gunshot.
In the days immediately after the Lapwai assaults, Holt and Tenzsley traveled to Keller, Washington – leading to the tragic deaths of Gale and Jeremy Neal, as well as the attempted murder of one federal officer and the assault of another. The firearm used in the shooting on the Nez Perce Reservation was the same gun Holt and Tenzsley used during the Neal murders, as well as the attempted murder and assault of the two federal officers.
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over the trial for Holt and Tenzsley, which began November 18, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for February 6, 2025, in Spokane, Washington.
“The victims in this case, Gale and Jeremy Neal, were senselessly and brutally murdered by two men on a violent crime spree. Nothing can ever replace what the Neals’ family and loved ones have lost. My office is deeply committed to promoting public safety on Native American Reservations and addressing the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People, and this verdict demonstrates that those who commit violence on Tribal lands will be held accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the attorneys in my office, especially First Assistant United States Attorney Richard Barker and Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis who led this significant prosecution, as well as the investigators and agents who worked tirelessly for countless hours to bring justice for the victims in this case.”
“As much as any case I have prosecuted, this one demonstrates the incredible tragedy of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Crisis,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Richard Barker, who led the prosecution team for this case. “Our hearts go out to the Neal Family, whose loved ones were taken away from them far too soon. Unfortunately, violence on our Native American Reservations occurs far too often and has resulted in generational trauma that continues to this day. While the United States absolutely will continue to prosecute these cases and take whatever steps to hold accountable those who perpetrate such terrible violence, we cannot fully address the trauma of so many through prosecution alone. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is committed to working with Native American communities to organize listening sessions, outreach events, and doing more to ensure victims and their families are heard. We are so grateful for the many witnesses who came forward in this case to ensure those responsible for Gale and Jeremy Neals’ murders were held accountable. We also cannot understate the exceptional law enforcement response, especially by the officers who put their lives on the line to capture the Neals’ murderers.”
“At the heart of our prosecutions is the stories and lives of the victims of crime,” stated Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis. “I am very grateful that we were able to amplify the story of the Neal family and bring justice to those who caused such harm and devastation to the Colville Indian Reservation.”
“These murders were frightening and tragic events that impacted many people in our community. My prayers go out to the family and friends of the deceased, who I know still grieve today. There is now some comfort in knowing that those who committed these acts of violence have been convicted of serious federal felony offenses,” said the Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Jarred-Michael Erickson. “I want to thank all of the law enforcement officials and agencies who participated in this investigation and in the apprehension of these dangerous criminals, and especially the Colville Tribal Police, who nearly lost one of their own officers when he was shot during this encounter. I also want to thank U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref and the prosecutors in the United States Attorney's Office in the Eastern District of Washington for their diligent prosecution of this case. I want to thank the jurors who heard the evidence and returned the verdicts they believed fit the interest of justice. Finally, I want to thank our community on the Reservation, who supported each other and law enforcement as these events unfolded. As dark a chapter as this was for the Colville Reservation, it is heartening to see how many people from different communities and agencies stand together to help each other in a time of crisis.”
“Getting these two violent offenders off the streets makes the communities they terrorized safer.” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Their crimes ranged from robbery to murder and included shooting at law enforcement in an effort to avoid arrest. Reducing violent crime on our state’s Reservations remains a priority for the FBI and our local, state, and federal partners.”
This case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI’s Salish Safe Trails Task Force, Latah County Sherif’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Idaho State Patrol, Spokane Tribal Police Department, Kalispel Tribal Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the ATF, the United States Marshals Service, and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Richard R. Barker and Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis. Echo D. Fatsis, a contract Law Clerk with the United States Attorney’s Office, provided critical support during the trial.
Large Scale Drug Trafficker from the Tri-Cities Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on November 19, 2024, United States District Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Dwight Norwood, Jr., age 27, of Kennewick, Washington, to 84 months in federal prison on fentanyl distribution charges. Judge Shea also imposed 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in November 2021, members of the Safe Streets Task Force developed information that Norwood was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills in Eastern Washington. Investigators also learned that Norwood lived and sold drugs out of a fifth wheeler in Benton City, Washington.
Early on the morning of February 24, 2022, Norwood’s girlfriend called Benton County Sheriff’s Office and told deputies that Norwood had given her a black eye, was chasing her in a blue Mustang, and was trying to shoot her. A short time later deputies spotted Norwood driving the Mustang near a gas station in Benton City. Deputies activated their emergency lights and attempted to arrest Norwood, but he took off running.
Deputies used a K-9 to track Norwood, located him hiding near his trailer in Benton City, and arrested him. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the Mustang. Inside, deputies found a fully loaded .45 caliber pistol, over 800 hundred fentanyl laced pills, and two additional cell phones. Norwood’s DNA was later confirmed to be on the firearm; Norwood is a confirmed felon.
Agents also obtained a search warrant for Norwood’s trailer. Inside, they located a drug scale with residue, additional fentanyl-laced pills, drug ledgers, and several cell phones.
“Illicit fentanyl has a devastating impact on our community, including a close nexus with violent crime and poisoning deaths. Mr. Norwood was distributing a significant amount of these poison pills in the Tri-Cities region,” stated United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to fight the fentanyl epidemic by working closely with our law enforcement partners to target those who contribute to this deadly crisis.”
“This was not Mr. Norwood’s first run in with the law” said Gregory L. Austin, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office. “His decision to distribute Fentanyl is now landing him in federal prison. Combatting the scourge of this deadly drug, which devastates communities across our country, is a priority for the FBI and our partners.”
This case was investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI’s Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force, which includes additional officers and detectives from the Kennewick Police Department, Pasco Police Department, Richland Police Department, Border Patrol and Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
22-cr-06009-EFS
Department of Justice Awards Nearly $1 Million to Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to Implement New Technology and Improve Deputy TrainingRead the Press Release
Spokane Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Department of Justice grant award for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. The grant allocates $945,520 for a project to implement new technology to integrate body-worn camera data analysis in Spokane County Sheriff’s Office’s training programs.
Funding for the grant was awarded by Bureau of Justice Assistance Fiscal Year 2024 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.
The project description for the $945,520 grant awarded to Spokane County Sheriff’s Office says the funds will be used to implement technology called “TrustStat”. TrustStat will analyze body-worn camera video and identify key behaviors and language related to de-escalation, use of force, and other critical areas of deputy performance. The project will help the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to evaluate the effectiveness of deputies’ training during three career learning phases: basic academy training, field training, and post-probation in-service training.
By using TrustStat to evaluate training outcomes and associated behavioral changes SCSO seeks to achieve increased public trust, increased frequency and effectiveness of de-escalation efforts, and a decrease in the frequency and severity of the use of force.
“The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is leading the way for law enforcement across the nation with this innovative project,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I commend the Sherriff’s Office for seeking this Department of Justice grant award, and for implementing a project that uses cutting edge technology to support effective training to best serve and protect our community.”
“I am excited about the body-worn camera analysis program we are implementing at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office,” said Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels. “The funding from the Department of Justice will provide us with new technology and expertise, positioning us at the forefront of police training in the United States. Our citizens expect professionalism from their law enforcement, and this funding and technology will enable us to meet those expectations.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov.
Department of Justice Awards $1 Million to NEWESD 101 to Enhance School Safety in Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Department of Justice grant award for the NorthEast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD) 101. The grant allocates $1,000,000 to enhance safety and support for 59 public school districts, 45 state-approved private schools, and four charter schools in a seven-county region.
Funding for the grant comes from the Bureau of Justice Assistance fiscal year 2024 STOP School Violence Program. The project description for the $1,000,000 grant awarded to NEWESD 101 details that the money will be used for The Safer Schools Northeast Project. The project will include annual threat assessment training for school staff, law enforcement and community partners, as well as hosting an annual School Safety Summit to provide advanced training and the latest research on school safety. The project will also implement a bystander training program to educate students and staff on recognizing and reporting concerning behaviors.
“All children deserve the right to attend school and learn in a secure environment. Teachers should be free to do the critical work of educating students without fear for their safety,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “This award will be used to ensure educators, administrators, and law enforcement in our communities have the most effective tools to recognize and respond to concerning behaviors or threats to protect our students, teachers and community.”
“Thanks to the Department of Justice's STOP grant award, NEWESD 101 can sustain and expand essential school safety support for districts across northeast Washington state,” said Brittany Roetcisoender, Director of the Center for Student Support and Regional School Safety Center for the NorthEast Washington Educational Service District (NEWESD) 101. “This funding will enhance Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, promote Bystander Awareness among students and staff, and support an annual School Safety Summit, providing educators, law enforcement, counselors and school safety personnel with the latest information, training and resources.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://bja.ojp.gov/funding.
Two Former Airforce Airmen Indicted for a Scheme to Obtain $300,000 in COVID-19 Relief FundsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that on November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Taylor Jashaun Kendall, age 26, of Spokane, Washington, and Michael Tyriq Allen, age 26, of Gainesville, Georgia, with a dozen counts of fraud as part of a scheme to obtain COVID-19 relief funding.
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 the indictment, between June 2020 and May 2021, Kendall and Allen fraudulently obtained at least $300,000 in CARES act funding through the EIDL and PPP programs. Both Kendall and Allen are former U.S. Airforce Airmen. Kendall was an Airman stationed at Fairchild Airforce Base during the timeframe alleged in the Indictment.
As alleged in the indictment, between June 18, 2020, and June 24, 2020, Kendall and Allen submitted three separate applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans using false and fraudulent information. In each of the applications, Kendall and Allen claimed their business was engaged in agriculture, had 10 employees, and monthly revenue of $4,625.00. Two of the three applications were approved, and Kendall and Allen allegedly received $20,000 in EIDL funds.
The indictment alleges that in March 2021, Kendall and Allen submitted two separate applications for Payroll Protection Program loans using false and fraudulent information. Then in April 2021, Kendall and Allen, submitted a Second Draw PPP application. The indictment alleges all three PPP applications were approved and Kendall and Allan received more than $61,000 in PPP funds.
The indictment further alleges that Kendall and Allan also submitted false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of other individuals using false information. Individuals who received these funds then sent a portion of the money back to Kendall and Allen. In total, Kendall and Allen submitted fraudulent applications resulting in the disbursement of at least $80,000 in EIDL advances and $269,900 in PPP loan funds.
Three other former Airmen have entered into criminal diversion agreements with the United States in relation to their participation in the scheme: Julius Dixon (2:23-cr-00086), Roderick Smith (2:24-cr-00109), and Richard Rosales (2:23-cr-00118).
“COVID-19 relief programs were designed to lift up our community during crisis. Due to the number of people and businesses that requested funding, some deserving small businesses did not receive critical funding to keep their doors open through the pandemic, which impacted their employees, their families, and our local economy.” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the COVID Fraud Strike Force to ensure that those who misused COVID-19 relief funding are held accountable and to protect the strength and safety of our vital small business community.”
The fraud charges against Kendall and Allen carry a maximum sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, the Small Business Administration, and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2:24-cr-00154-TOR
U.S. Attorney Announces Significant Cases from New Interagency Environmental Task Force to Protect Public Health and SafetyRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced the creation of a new, interagency Environmental Task Force to protect public health and safety, to ensure that everyone enjoys equal protection from environmental and health hazards, and to combat criminal conspiracies that attempt to profit from pollution.
“Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws supports a thriving community for all families,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Environmental and financial crimes are often linked, when individuals and businesses seek to profit by evading laws designed to protect our air, water, and land,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Our Environmental Task Force brings key stakeholders together to focus on enforcement that matters the most to our community.”
On March 28, 2024, U.S. Attorney Waldref and her team, working with law enforcement agencies as well as federal, state, and local partners launched the Environmental Task Force. The Task Force leverages partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute environmental crimes and cases that impact our public health and safety. The Task Force consists of agency representatives from the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s Environmental Protection Unit, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division, EPA Office of the Inspector General (OIG), EPA Region 10, Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce OIG, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) OIG, Department of Energy (DOE) OIG, Washington State Department of Ecology, U.S. Department of the Interior OIG, U.S. Forest Service, United States Park Police, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), IRS-Criminal Investigations, Spokane Clean Air Agency, the Benton Clean Air Agency, and others.
“I am grateful for the large number of federal, state, and local partners that have joined with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the critical mission of securing public health and environmental protection for all communities,” continued U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working together, we can protect our natural resources to ensure a healthy, high quality of life and make our region safe and strong.”
Significant environmental protection cases filed or pending in the Eastern District of Washington include:
- In November 2024, four business owners and five companies were federally indicted for smuggling and illegally importing tens of millions of dollars in emission defeat devices from Canada into Eastern Washington. As alleged in the indictment, these illegal devices were sold and distributed to customers throughout the United States, resulting in defendants receiving more than 74 million dollars in revenue through their online sales.
- In October 2024, a Florida business owner, who created and sold illegal software designed to defeat and disable emission controls on diesel trucks, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act.
- In October 2024, the Department of Justice filed a complaint against a utility company to recover response costs and damages for destroying cultural resources, including archaeological features and Tribal artifacts, when replacing a power pole in the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. United States v. Avista Corporation, 2:24-cv-00358.
- In June 2024, the Department of Justice and EPA filed a lawsuit under the Safe Drinking Water Act against several Lower Yakima Valley dairies for manure practices that endanger neighboring residents who rely on private wells for drinking water. The complaint and July 2024 motion for preliminary injunction alleges the dairies failed to adequately control nitrate contamination from their operations. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be harmful, especially for infants, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions. The injunctive relief was sought to immediately protect downgradient community members with nitrate contaminated well water by requiring the dairies to test the wells and provide alternative drinking water.
- In May 2024, two men and their companies were indicted for a scheme to tamper with pollution control systems in violation of the Clean Air Act.
- In January 2024, the United States filed a complaint in federal district court alleging a government contractor, responsible for fire protection at the Hanford site, was involved in fraudulent overcharging and failed to complete critical fire protection work necessary to protect the public, workers at the site, and the environment from fire hazards.
- In June 2023, a business-owner was sentenced for criminal violations of the Clean Air Act in connection with improper handling and disposal of asbestos-containing material, and for lying to federal and state regulators, resulting in potential exposure to workers and the public.
- In September 2022, a Grand Jury indicted a Yakima-area juice manufacturing company and its owner for violating FDA regulations that resulted in improper levels of arsenic, patulin, and other environmental and health hazards into fruit juice sold to school lunch programs.
As part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office commitment to effective and responsive environmental enforcement, U.S. Attorney Waldref frequently speaks to community leaders and members about pressing public health and safety concerns in Eastern Washington.
In February of 2024, the Office held an Environmental Justice listening session in Spokane with community leaders engaged in conservation, public health and environmental remediation work. Representatives from the Environmental Protection Network and Gonzaga University’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment shared information about accessing funding to support environmental protection. Members of the community highlighted concerns and priority areas to ensure compliance and enforcement to protect the environment and the health and safety of our residents.
In April of 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Washington State Attorney General’s Office; Gonzaga University’s Institute for Climate, Water, and the Environment; and the Gonzaga Law School; celebrated the anniversary of Expo ’74 by co-hosting a conference that included panels focusing on protecting the Spokane River and environmental enforcement. Tribal leaders, community advocates, and state and federal enforcement authorities, discussed how to work together more effectively to prioritize public health and safety.
“I am proud to raise my family in a place where we enjoy the great outdoors and appreciate the beauty of our mountains, trees, lakes, and rivers. Indigenous people first lived on these lands, cultivating these resources for future generations,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We work closely with Tribal leaders and law enforcement to protect Tribal Homelands from harm and criminal conduct.”
In June of 2024, U.S Attorney Waldref took part in the Lands Council Legislative Summit. In her remarks, U.S. Attorney Waldref spoke about the successes in environmental protection in the 50 years since Expo ’74, as well as the ongoing environmental challenges facing the region and the Environmental Task Force’s coordinated efforts to keep our community healthy and safe.
In August of 2024, the Environmental Task Force held a meeting in Spokane to discuss ongoing environmental protection efforts and developed plans to increase and improve collaboration to support cleaner and healthier air quality.
Since 2022, U.S. Attorney Waldref has chaired the Environmental Justice & Environmental Issues Subcommittee for the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee, where she provides critical insight to Department of Justice leadership on the prosecution and litigation of environmental and public health matters throughout the United States. In this role, she has been a leader in training Department of Justice attorneys to identify the nexus between financial and environmental crimes and violations and hold companies accountable who seek to profit from pollution and evade laws designed to protect vulnerable members of the community. U.S. Attorney Waldref and her team are committed to protecting and improving the public’s well-being, health, and safety, now and into the future.
Community members who have environmental concerns can share with them with the U.S. Attorney’s Office by emailing [email protected]. To submit a concern by telephone, please call (509) 835-6306.
Mead Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing over $750,000 from COVID Relief ProgramsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Antonio Feliciano Crawford, age 55, of Mead, Washington, to 45 months in federal prison on charges of bank fraud. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release, restitution of $203,347.08, and forfeiture of $173,329.00 in cash seized during a search of Crawford’s home, and $13,642.00 in cash Crawford provided in lieu of forfeiture of his vehicle.
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, Crawford filed false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications during 2020 and 2021 on behalf of four companies purportedly owned and operated by Crawford: Tann LLC, Crawford Entertainment, A&M Personal Training LLC, and a sole proprietorship doing business as “Antonio Crawford.” Crawford submitted false and fraudulent information and documentation, including fraudulent and fictitious purported tax returns for the companies, in order to obtain for himself at least $186,971 in PPP and EIDL funding for which he was not eligible.
Crawford also facilitated the submission of false and fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications for numerous other individuals as well. During a search of Crawford’s home, law enforcement seized a laptop that contained falsified tax documentation and applications for other persons. Investigation of those fraudulent documents identified an additional twenty-four PPP and EIDL payments, totaling $565,808.33. Investigators also identified over $20,000 in payments those individuals made to Crawford following receipt of the funds. In total, Crawford caused a loss of over $750,000 to the PPP and EIDL programs.
“Fighting fraud strengthens our communities by protecting our small and local businesses and hard-working people who play by the rules. Mr. Crawford took advantage of programs designed to help businesses struggling during a global pandemic and used the funds to enrich himself and others,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office has built strong relationships with our law enforcement partners through our COVID Fraud Strike Force to vigorously prosecute those who abuse and misuse pandemic relief funding.”
“When our nation and many employers were at their most desperate, Mr. Crawford defrauded those programs providing a lifeline to struggling businesses,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “HSI will always work with our partners to prevent these types of schemes, safeguard our communities, and ensure relief funds never end up in the hands of criminals.”
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 HSI Spokane Field Office, TIGTA, SBA OIG, DOL, and the Department of Homeland Security OIG. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Devin C. Curda.
2:24-CR-00010-TOR
Woman Charged with Embezzling more than $100,000 in Funds Used to Support Children in Foster Care from the Spokane Tribe of IndiansRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On November 7, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Tawhnee Willow Colvin, of Davenport, Washington, with more than two dozen counts for allegedly embezzling more than $100,000 from the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Between September 2019 and October 2023, Colvin was employed as Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS).
As part of her position as Assistant Director of DCFS, Colvin had access to the Spokane Tribe of Indians bank account that held per capita funds for children who were in foster care. This DCFS bank account was maintained to ensure that guardians would receive these funds for the children in their care. According to the indictment, caregivers received funds by a check from the DCFS bank account or in cash. When caregivers accepted a cash payment, they signed a receipt to document the disbursement. Documentation of checks and cash receipts were to be maintained by the Spokane Tribe of Indians Department of Health and Human Services.
As alleged in the indictment, between October 2019 and November 2023, Colvin made more than 50 fraudulent money transfers, totaling $50,880, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal bank account. The indictment further alleges that between September 2019 and April 2021, on at least 17 different days, Colvin made cash withdrawals totaling $49,950 for which DCFS has no documentation or receipts supporting that any of these funds were provided to caregivers.
“Individuals in positions of trust have an obligation to protect the funds they oversee. This is all the more important for resources dedicated to vulnerable members of our community, such as children in foster care,” said United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “My office takes fraud seriously, and will continue to work with our federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement to expose and prosecute public corruption, self-dealing, and fraud.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2:24-cr-00148-TOR
Moses Lake Man Who Detonated Homemade Bomb with Shrapnel Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On November 14, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Andrew Anardi, age 33, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 60 months in federal prison for setting off an explosive device. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, When Anardi was in prison, someone robbed his garage. Anardi told investigators he, “had it out” for the person he thought committed the robbery, so he decided to build two explosive devices to, “scare them.”
Anardi used a model rocket engine for one of the bombs and an aerial mortar round in the other. He wrapped metal wire and pennies, that would act as homemade shrapnel, around the explosives, held in place by black electrical tape.
On September 11, 2021, Anardi rode his bike to an apartment where, the man who Anardi thought robbed him, lived. Anardi lit one bomb and thew it over the fence towards the apartment, but the bomb did not go off. Anardi then lit the second bomb and rolled it to the door of the apartment. The bomb exploded a few seconds later.
A resident inside a nearby apartment reported hearing a loud bang, and something hitting her door. The resident described the noise as being like someone hitting the door with a sledgehammer. She opened the door, saw the bomb, and called 911.
The Washington State Patrol Bomb squad (WSP) arrived and rendered the unexploded bomb safe. They collected several pieces of the exploded bomb, including one piece of the bomb that had been thrown 130 feet from the blast site. Investigators also found a coin and piece of metal wire embedded in the door of an apartment near where bomb exploded.
“Mr. Anardi built two deadly bombs that included homemade shrapnel and attempted to detonate them in an apartment complex full of people. Thankfully, no one was hurt by Mr. Anaradi’s reckless and dangerous behavior,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and build safer and stronger communities.”
“The danger posed by explosives such as the ones Mr. Anardi built and used cannot be overstated,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Shrapnel from an explosion knows no difference between an intended target and an unintentional bystander, making this attempted attack that much more dangerous to the community. Because of this, we believe today’s prison sentence is well deserved.”
This case was investigated the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms and Patrick J. Cashman.
2:24-cr-00019-SAB
Mid-Valley Hospital Agrees to Pay $15,000 Penalty and Implement Corrective Actions to Address Theft of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Mid-Valley Hospital and Clinic in Omak, Washington, agreed to pay a $15,000 Controlled Substances Act penalty and to institute corrective actions in regard to its pharmacy and controlled substances policy and procedures.
To protect the public, the Controlled Substances Act and its implementing regulations place legal responsibilities on medical professionals to ensure that controlled substances are prescribed, dispensed, and used for medically-appropriate purposes and in a safe manner. The responsibility for the proper prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances is upon the prescribing practitioner, but a corresponding responsibility rests with the pharmacist who fills the prescription to ensure that prescriptions are legitimate, safe, and medically appropriate. This responsibility includes reviewing controlled substance override reports to make sure controlled substances are being administered correctly.
In the settlement announced today, Mid-Valley Hospital admitted that beginning in late 2021 and ending in October 2023, nurse Eileen Lombardi regularly stole doses of the drug Dilaudid, which is a brand name for hydromorphone HC1, for her own personal use. Lombardi would take left over medications after administering a patient’s dose for her personal use, rather than wasting the remaining medication as required. Lombardi also entered overrides into automated medication dispensing systems to obtain additional doses of Dilaudid that she took for personal use.
Mid-Valley admitted that it had not enacted sufficient controls to catch the Lombardi’s theft of controlled substances. Specifically, while Mid-Valley pharmacy technicians regularly printed out controlled substance override reports for review by the Pharmacy Director, he routinely filed them away without reviewing them, which enabled Lombardi to continue diverting Dilaudid for two years. Mid-Valley has subsequently engaged an outside consultant to review its pharmacy and controlled substance policies and procedures.
The Washington Department of Health has entered an agreement with Lombardi under which she will be required to be enrolled in the Washington Healthcare Provider Services program for one to five years, during which time she will not have direct access to controlled substances. Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has entered into a criminal diversion agreement with Lombardi that matches the terms of the Washington Department of Health agreement, as well as a requirement that she does not seek a re-issue of her Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration until no earlier than November 2025 and recognizing that reinstatement will be entirely at the discretion of the DEA.
“Nurses play a vital role in providing life-saving care. They have access to powerful drugs that can lead to crippling addiction. It is important that hospitals and pharmacies have proper checks and procedures in place to ensure these medications are accounted for and used appropriately and safely,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful that Mid-Valley Hospital quickly accepted responsibility and has taken steps to comply with its obligations going forward.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration ensures that medical providers and facilities follow established laws and procedures while dispensing controlled substances”, said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA holds medical professionals to a high standard to protect public safety and ensure accountability, and this settlement demonstrates DEA’s resolve to maintain these standards.”
The settlement agreement can be viewed here:
mid-valley_settlement_agreement_fully_executed.pdfThe settlement was the result of a joint investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, DEA’s Seattle Field Division, Diversion Group and the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley handled this matter on behalf of the United States.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Commitment to Protecting Patients and Consumers from Health Care Fraud Leads to Exponential Growth in ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that in the last several months, the office she leads prosecuted several significant cases that protected patients, consumers, and the community from health care fraud.
“Safe and affordable health care is critical for a thriving community. Healthcare is a multi-billion-dollar industry in the Inland Northwest, and fraudulent schemes divert public funds away from treating patients and drive up the cost of care for those that need it most,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Combatting health care fraud is a priority for my office because everyone deserves to have doctors and medical providers who place patient care over profits.”
In August of 2023, Lincare Holdings, Inc., agreed to pay $29 million to resolve allegations that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for oxygen equipment. The settlement is the largest-ever health care fraud settlement in the Eastern District of Washington. In addition to the $29 million paid by Lincare to address claims that Lincare submitted to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, in what is believed to be a first-of-a-kind False Claims Act Settlement, as part of the settlement, Lincare agreed to identify and repay Medicare beneficiaries who were overcharged co-pays. Pursuant to this provision, as of September 2024, Lincare has refunded payments to 4,917 patients for a total of $976,137. If patients believe that they may have been overbilled for oxygen equipment and have not received a refund, they can reach out to the United States Attorney’s Office of Public Affairs.
Other major health care fraud cases filed or pending in the Eastern District of Washington include:
August 2024 sentencing of Thomas Andrew Webster, M.D., age 51, of Sylvania, Ohio, for conspiring to accept kickbacks in connection with a fraudulent telemarketing and medical supply scheme throughout Washington and in other states. Dr. Webster was sentenced to two years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, restitution of more than $870,000, an additional criminal fine of $50,000, and forfeiture of hundreds of thousands of dollars in assets.
In August 2024, Justin Leland agreed to pay $224,620.88 to resolve allegations he participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment.
In August 2024, William O. Mize pled guilty to conspiracy in connection with a scheme to defraud insurance companies of more than $6 million by submitting fraudulent claims for health care and other injury expenses in connection with a series of vehicle collisions and other accidents staged by Mize and his co-conspirators. Mize is scheduled to be sentenced in November 2024.
In March 2024, Physician Staffing Company Jackson & Coker Locums Tenens, LLC and Physician Edward William Salko, D.O. agreed to pay $700,000 to resolve allegations that they participated in a kick-back scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment and diagnostic laboratory testing.
In January 2024, Physician Daniel Case agreed to pay $95,000 to resolve allegations that he participated in a kick-back scheme and ordered medically unnecessary durable medical equipment that Case caused to be billed to Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs
In January 2024, the United States and State of Washington filed a Complaint in federal district court against MultiCare Health System, which owns and operates MultiCare Deaconess Hospital and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, alleging that MultiCare knowingly endangered patient safety and falsely and fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for spinal surgery procedures performed at Deaconess between 2019 and 2021 by Jason Dreyer, a former neurosurgeon.
U.S. Attorney Waldref highlighted the importance of partnerships in combatting health care fraud, “We are prosecuting more cases because of our strong relationships with state and federal law enforcement partners – including Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; and our state partners at the Washington State Office of the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division, as well as many others. Our vigorous fraud practice holds individuals and corporations accountable for stealing from taxpayers. I am proud that my office is a national leader in fighting fraud and investigating cases brought by whistleblowers to report misconduct and protect our community’s resources.”
“The VA Office of Inspector General is committed to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs and services and ensuring veterans receive the quality health care they deserve,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their dedication and support in this case.”
“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of federal healthcare programs, particularly as it relates to the Department of Defense’s TRICARE program,” said Bryan D. Denny, the Special Agent in Charge of the DCIS Western Field Office. “We will aggressively pursue and seek to hold accountable bad actors who defraud or attempt to defraud TRICARE, because their deceptive actions ultimately harm those defending our country and their families.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration works hard to ensure patient safety by regulating medical professionals who prescribe, produce, or dispense scheduled prescription drugs,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA holds medical personnel accountable when they fail to follow Federal law and regulations for scheduled medications and risk the health and safety of patients and our community.”
In addition to casework, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is engaged in community outreach to raise awareness about fraud schemes and educate members of the community on how to avoid becoming a victim of scams. U.S. Attorney Waldref has recorded this message about how we can all protect ourselves and our loved ones from scams targeting the elderly. To learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
Four Business Owners Indicted for Smuggling and Illegally Importing Tens of Millions of Dollars in Emissions Defeat Devices from Canada into Eastern WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On October 18, 2024, A federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging John Wesley Owens, of Manson, Washington; Joshua Wesley Owens, of Mapleton, Utah; their companies Diesel Truck Products, Inc. d/b/ DPF Delete Shop Inc., and Fulfillment Solutions & More, LLC; Kevin Paul Dodd, of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada; his companies Evolution Auto Performance and Evo Tunes Inc.; and Philip John Sweeney, of Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada; and his company KX Wheels, for a scheme to smuggle and illegally import tens of millions of dollars in contraband emissions defeat devices from Canada into the United States and to sell and distribute them throughout the United States, in violation of the Clean Air Act.
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 and 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. In order 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. Hardware and software designed to disable these emissions controls, commonly known as “defeat devices”, can greatly increase the emissions of these dangerous pollutants into the atmosphere, particularly impacting communities that are close to arterial roads and highways.
The indictment alleges that the Owens, Sweeney, Dodd, and their companies conspired to violate the Clean Air Act and to smuggle contraband and illegal defeat devices into the United States. The indictment also charges the Owens and their companies with money laundering. According to the indictment, between December 2015 and November 2023, the Owens purchased more than $33 million dollars in illegal emissions defeat devices from Dodd, Sweeney, and their companies. The indictment alleges that Dodd, Sweeney, and the Owens smuggled and illegally imported these emissions defeat devices from Canada into Eastern Washington and then sold and distributed them to customers throughout the United States.
According to the indictment, in the Summer of 2020, the Owens, following requests for information about their business from the Environmental Protection Agency, decided to shut down their business website and re-launch under a new name. In May 2020, Joshua Owens sent an email to Dodd and said, “In June I’m winding down this ‘legal entity’ and staring up another one. Feels like I’m on borrowed time with the EPA.” According to the indictment, in July 2020, Joshua Owens then started a new website, www.dpfdeleteshop.com, and new business name “DPF Delete Shop, Inc.” listing a business address in the Cayman Islands, and continued to use this website to import, sell, and distribute illegal defeat devices, despite repeated warnings that they were illegal. The indictment alleges that in February 2023, when a customer complained by email and threatened to report Josh Owens and DPF Delete Shop Inc. to the EPA, Josh Owens responded by email “We have all your info. You’ll be the guy we serve up on a silver platter to the EPA if it comes down to that.”
The indictment further alleges that the Owens and Sweeney conspired to disguise the shipments of illegal emission control devices from Canada into Eastern Washington. In May 2022, Sweeney emailed John Owens and wrote, “John We have lots of ways that we can get stuff across the border, I will give you a call later I just need you to be complacent and how we do it and I don’t wanna do it over email.”
According to the indictment, between 2017 and 2023, based on online sales data, the Owens and their businesses received more than $74 million in revenue through their online sales of emissions defeat devices to customers in the United States.
“Safe and healthy air quality is critical for a thriving community. The Clean Air Act provides important safeguards that limit the amount of harmful emissions from diesel vehicles. Attempting to profit from evading pollution control systems puts the health and safety of everyone in our community at risk, especially children and individuals who suffer from asthma and respiratory illnesses,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Strong and fair enforcement of environmental and public health laws ensures a safer community for all families to live, learn, play, and work.”
The conspiracy charges carry a maximum sentence of up to 5 years in federal prison, while the smuggling and money laundering charges have a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment.
This case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Jacob E. Brooks, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Gwendolyn Russell, are prosecuting the case.
2:24-CR-00140-TOR
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington Observes Domestic Violence Awareness MonthRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington proudly commemorates Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) this October. U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, joins the U.S. Department of Justice in reaffirming its unwavering commitment to supporting survivors, raising awareness, and promoting justice for all affected by domestic violence.
DVAM serves as a crucial opportunity to shed light on the profound impacts of domestic violence and emphasize the importance of collective action. Each year, millions of individuals are impacted by intimate partner violence, and far too many families endure the tragic consequences of domestic abuse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to ensuring that survivors are heard, and perpetrators are held accountable.
This year is a special year to commemorate DVAM because it is also the 30th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act. In 1994, the passage of this landmark, bipartisan legislation transformed the way our nation addresses domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking by increasing protections for survivors, providing critical federal resources to support a coordinated community response to these crimes, and awarding grants at the local, state, territory, Tribal, and national levels. Recent grant awards include $350,000 to the City of Yakima to combat domestic violence and sexual assault and $600,000 the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to respond to and prevent sexual assault.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home free of domestic violence,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Domestic violence victims often struggle to access the justice system and get the protection and resources they need, which is why we use all the tools at our disposal—including leveraging our partnerships with local law enforcement, domestic violence advocacy organizations, and local prosecutors—to ensure victims have a viable path to safety and justice.”
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. Recent cases include:
- United States v. Marvin Samson Butterfly, 2:23-cr-00110-TOR: Butterfly was found guilty of assaulting and suffocating his partner, as well as Attempted Witness Tampering.
- United States v. James Edward Kensler, 2:18-cr-00096-TOR: Kensler was sentenced to 60 months in prison for violently assaulting his girlfriend.
- United States v. Branden Scott Higgins, 1:23-cr-02056-SAB: Higgins was sentenced to nearly three months in federal prison for choking his pregnant girlfriend
- United States v. Xander Lee Ostenberg, 2:23-cr-00031-TOR: Ostenberg was sentenced to 60 months in prison for violently assaulting his partner and tribal elders.
Another crucial part of combatting domestic violence and reducing violent crimes includes enforcing federal firearm prohibitions. Domestic violence abusers with access to a gun are five times more likely to kill their partners. In addition to their lethality, firearms are used by abusers to inflict fear, intimidation, and coercive control. Under federal law, people with domestic violence misdemeanor and felony convictions and those subject to domestic violence protective orders are prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
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.
Recent cases charged as part of the Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative include:
- United States v. Benjamin D. Cliett, 1:22-cr-02111-MKD: Pleaded guilty to Person Subject to a Court Order in Possession of Firearms, in connection to violating a no-contact order and possessing more than a dozen firearms.
- United States v. Tyler Jonas Senator, 1:23-cr-02027-SAB: Sentenced to 84 months on one count of Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence, and one count of Assault of a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner by Strangling or Suffocating, in connection with a violent attack on his partner.
- United States v. Michael Brian Ross, 2:23-cr-00021-MKD: Sentenced to 4 years on count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in connection with threating his partner with a firearm.
“Federal prosecutors witness the devastating impacts of domestic violence on the lives of victims and their families, who may endure long-term trauma and are at increased risk for returning to abusive relationships. Firearms are used by abusers to control their victims through fear and intimidation. Law enforcement responding to active domestic violence scenes are also at increased risk when firearms are present,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.
Video Message: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRNct8hfuxw
U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “My Office’s Safe Homes, Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.”
Facing domestic violence? Find support in your state through @OVWJustice's Local Resources: https://www.justice.gov/ovw/resources-for-survivors
Immediate help for domestic violence victims: Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (@ndvhofficial) at 1-800-799-7233 or Strong Hearts Native Helpline (@strongheartsdv) at
1-844-762-8483.
Son of Sinaloa Cartel Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On October 30, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brian Jesus Zazueta, age 23, of Sunnyside, Washington, to 160 months in federal prison on drug trafficking charges. Judge Rice also imposed 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Zazueta was working as a mid-level manager for a drug trafficking organization out of Mexico that was responsible for distributing drugs in Spokane and across Eastern Washington. Zazueta is the son of Adolfo Zazueta-Bueno, a significant member of the Sinaloa cartel. Zazueta-Bueno was a previous resident of the Tri-Cities area, but now resides in Sinaloa, Mexico where he runs his drug trafficking organization. Zazeuta was operating as his father’s eyes and ears in the United States; he is a U.S. Citizen and could travel freely to and from Mexico. Judge Rice found that Zazueta is a leader and organizer for his father’s operation and sentenced him accordingly.
On March 9, 2023, the DEA and the Spokane Police Department executed a federal search warrant on a stash house in Kennewick, Washington. Zazueta was in the apartment along with more than 42,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and heroin. Additionally, DEA found $6,000 in cash, receipts showing money transfers to Sinaloa, Mexico, drug scales, and ledgers with information about drug transactions.
“By targeting drug trafficking organizations, we disrupt the supply of deadly drugs that are causing harm in our neighborhoods,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Mr. Zazueta was responsible for an organization distributing a large amount of illegal narcotics. Thanks to the excellent work by DEA, the Spokane Police Department, and federal prosecutors, Mr. Zazueta is headed to federal prison, and as a result, our communities are safer and stronger.”
“Mr. Zazueta sowed the seeds of despair in Eastern Washington while he reaped the profits of his methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin distribution,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Thanks to the DEA, Spokane Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Zazueta learned that these actions had consequences and the sentence in this case should make others pause before selling drugs that harm our communities.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
2:23-cr-00036-TOR
Spokane Assistant United States Attorney Recognized at Spokane Zephyr GameRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Stephanie Van Marter was recognized on the field at the final home game of the Spokane Zephyr on Sunday, October 28.
AUSA Van Marter was selected for this honor due to her years of dedicated public service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as well as her work as a member of the board of the Spokane Alliance for Fentanyl Education (SAFE). Spokane Zephyr FC is a Spokane’s professional women’s soccer team and member of the USL Super League.
AUSA Van Marter recorded a message about the word “confidence” that was played for the crowd. She shared, “Confidence grows from wisdom, compassion, grace, respect, sprinkled with a little bit of sass. The advice that I would give would be to find that one thing that does make you passionate, that you believe in, and pursue it. Realize that you are going to fall down but you are going to figure out a way to get back up.”
AUSA Van Marter is Deputy Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and known for her advocacy skills in the courtroom and excellence in training prosecutors and law enforcement on building complex investigations. As Deputy Criminal Chief, AUSA Van Marter supervises cases that include violent crimes in Indian Country and child exploitation offenses. She prosecutes and oversees some of the most difficult cases in the Eastern District of Washington.
AUSA Van Marter has served on the board of SAFE since it was created in 2021. Earlier this month, at the SAFE Fall Leadership Summit, she moderated a panel discussion on the topic of how our community can move from awareness to action in combatting the fentanyl crisis. She also presents to high school health classes and other groups about the opioid epidemic.
“Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter is a dedicated public servant who works each day to make our communities safe and strong. Teaming up with law enforcement and community partners, AUSA Van Marter courageously holds offenders accountable and selflessly spends time educating our youth and community leaders about the dangers of fentanyl,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am grateful the Spokane Zephyr recognized Stephanie’s contributions to our community, and I am proud she is a member of our office.”
Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter Receives ‘Honest Abe Integrity in Government Award’Read the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney, Vanessa Waldref announced Assistant United Attorney (AUSA) Dan Fruchter received the 2024 “Honest Abe Integrity in Government” award from the Taxpayers Against Fraud Coalition.
This award recognizes dedication to public service and a commitment to False Claims Act enforcement and the whistleblowers who make these cases possible. When announcing the award, the TAF Coalition called AUSA Fruchter, “a master tradesman of False Claims Act enforcement.”
Taxpayers Against Fraud CoalitionAUSA Fruchter is the Chief of the Fraud & White-Collar Crime Unit for the Eastern District of Washington. Throughout his career, he has led the prosecution of hundreds of fraud cases, spanning a wide range of subjects including procurement fraud, health care fraud, and pandemic relief fraud. AUSA Fruchter is a life-long public servant and passionate advocate for whistleblowers.
Under his leadership, the Eastern District of Washington has expanded its health care fraud practice, focusing its efforts on patient safety and justice. Last year, as part of a $29 Million settlement with Lincare Holding, Inc to address claims that Lincare submitted to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, in what is believed to be a first-of-a-kind False Claims Act settlement, Lincare also agreed to identify and repay Medicare beneficiaries who were overcharged co-pays. Pursuant to this provision, as of September 2024, Lincare has refunded payments to 4,917 patients for a total of $976,137.
AUSA Fruchter also spearheaded the Eastern District of Washington’s innovative and nationally-recognized COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, which was launched in Spring 2022. The Strike Force brings together 15 federal agencies with a team of prosecutors to quickly respond to investigative leads. Since it was launched, the Strike Force has charged 35 defendants, secured 20 criminal convictions, 4 civil settlements, and recovered more than $30 million in settlements, seizures, and restitution judgments.
One qui tam filed by a whistleblower tenant resulted in a settlement of over $300,000 with All Star Property Management to resolve claims that they falsely and fraudulently claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent assistance intended to benefit struggling renters during the COVD-19 pandemic. The legal aid organization that brought the case, Northwest Justice Project, produced a short video about the case featuring the whistleblower and AUSA Fruchter.
“No matter the shape or scope of the scheme, Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter is tireless in his pursuit to fight for the underdog and hold fraudsters accountable,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “AUSA Fruchter has cemented the Eastern District of Washington as a district of choice for whistleblowers and relator’s counsel due to his strategic and tenacious approach to fighting fraud and white-collar crime. This award is a well-deserved honor.”
Wapato Man Who Attempted to Avoid Arrest and Pointed Loaded Gun at Federal Officers Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – On October 24, 2024, United States District Judge James L. Robart sentenced Leo John Yallup, age 38, of Wapato, Washington, to 10 years in federal prison for assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon. Judge Robart also imposed 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on March 2, 2023, four officers with a U.S. Marshals Service task force traveled to a house at 1161 Donald Wapato Road, in Wapato, Washington, to arrest Yallup on an outstanding warrant.
When Yallup saw the officers pull into his driveway, he took off running behind the house, pursued by the officers. At the back of the property, Yallup drew a firearm and pointed it at the officers. One of the officers fired his service weapon, hitting Yallup in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
Officers handcuffed Yallup and began to render medical aid. During this process, officers turned Yallup on his back. As officers turned him over, they saw Yallup had been lying on the weapon he pointed at officers. The gun was loaded and had a live round in the chamber. Officers also discovered Yallup was armed with a second weapon in a shoulder holster.
“Mr. Yallup attempted to escape arrest, and in the process, pointed a loaded gun at federal officers, putting their lives, and the lives of others, at great risk,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line everyday to keep our communities safe and strong. My office will continue to hold offenders accountable to who threaten the safety of those who protect and serve the people of Eastern Washington.”
“A law enforcement officer does not want to shoot someone.” said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “However, Mr. Yallup left no other option when he drew his weapon and pointed it at officers. Fortunately, he lived and no officers were hurt. This case is a reminder of the personal sacrifice our law enforcement officers make on a daily basis.”
Craig Thayer, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington commented, “Deputy U. S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Washington, and throughout the nation, serve thousands of federal, state, and local arrest warrants for the most violent offenders in the criminal justice system. They face extraordinary dangers in order to protect our communities while professionally, safely, and efficiently bringing these wanted persons before a court of law. When a wanted person, like Leo John Yallup, draws a firearm, and points it at law enforcement officers, those officers will apply necessary force to stop the threat. It should be noted that these Deputies immediately rendered aid to Yallup once his deadly threat was stopped. With his sentence today, he now faces the consequences of his violent behaviors. The fugitive apprehension mission is one of the primary responsibilities of the United States Marshals Service.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Todd M. Swensen.
Florida Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today Ryan Hugh Milliken and his company, Hardaway Solutions, LLC (Hardaway), pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Violate the Clean Air Act. Milliken is scheduled to be sentenced on January 22, 2024 at 10:30 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 and 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. In order 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, Milliken and Hardway created and sold illegal “delete tune” files designed to disable and defeat required emissions controls and monitoring systems. According to the Plea Agreement and information disclosed during court proceedings, Milliken and Hardway created and sold these “delete tune” files for specific customers and vehicles and their specifications, including for numerous Spokane-based trucking companies and their owner, Pavel Ivanovich Turlak, who is also charged in the Indictment that names Milliken and Hardway.
“Mr. Milliken had an illegal business built around defeating important safeguards regulating the amount of emissions from diesel engines,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “These safeguards are critical to protecting public health and a safe environment. I am grateful to investigators with the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division, technical experts with EPA’s National Enforcement Investigations Center, and prosecutors in my office who work to achieve environmental justice and make Eastern Washington a clean, safe place to live and work.”
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 are prosecuting the case.
While Ryan Milliken and Hardway have pled guilty and those pleas have been accepted by the court, the indictment as to Pavel Turlak is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2:24-cr-00057-TOR
Couple Indicted on Federal Charges for Fraud Scheme Involving Counterfeit iPadsRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington - On September 19, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Zhangbo Liang, age 24 and Linda You, age 20, with ten criminal counts for fraud as well as trafficking and transporting stolen and counterfeit items. Liang made his first appearance in federal court in the Western District of Washington on September 30, 2024. You made her first appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington on October 24, 2024.
The indictment alleges beginning no later than January of 2024, Liang and You were involved in a scheme where they would purchase authentic iPads from Target stores in the Eastern District of Washington and elsewhere, remove them from their boxes, place counterfeit iPads in the boxes, then reseal the boxes. Liang and You would then return the counterfeit iPads and receive a refund on a Target gift card. Liang and You would use the gift cards to allegedly purchase additional items from Target, including more iPads they would replace with counterfeit goods for subsequent returns.
According to the indictment, between January 2024 and June 2024, Liang and You returned at least 140 iPads to Target stores and fraudulently obtained a net refund amount of at least $163,000.
“Fraudulent schemes that involve stolen and counterfeit items harm businesses and lead to increased prices for everyone. Our fraud prosecutors, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively target fraudsters who attempt to scam businesses and individuals to line their own pockets,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.
The case was referred for federal investigation by the Washington Attorney General’s Office Organized Retail Crime Task Force and the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, highlighting the important and successful partnership between federal and state law enforcement agencies to address organized retail crimes.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
4:24-cr-06024-SAB
Repeat Domestic Abuser Sentenced to Federal Prison for Violently Attacking His GirlfriendRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On October 23, 2024, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced James Edward Kensler, age 45, of Spokane, Washington, to 60 months in prison for violently assaulting his girlfriend. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release. At the time of the offense, Kensler was on federal supervised release. As a penalty for the supervised release violation, Judge Rice imposed a penalty of 18 months which will be served consecutively to the 60-month sentence imposed in this case.
According to court documents and information presented during proceedings in the case, Kensler was with his girlfriend at the Northern Quest Resort & Casino in May 2024. Kensler, who is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, grabbed his victim by the back of the head and threw her on the ground with such force that the impact of her head hitting the couch moved two couches and a table forward.
Kensler then chased his victim through the resort. When Kensler caught his victim, he again threw her to the ground, attempted to stomp on her face, punched her in the face, slapped her, and hit her with his knee. When Kensler’s victim attempted to escape a second time, he again pursued her and threw her into a closed elevator door.
In the resort parking lot, Kalispel Tribal Police Officers apprehended Kensler and provided aid to his victim. Officers noted the victim’s face was swollen and that she had multiple scrapes.
“Mr. Kensler violently and repeatedly assaulted his victim, causing her severe injuries. Furthermore, Mr. Kenlser had a history of domestic violence offenses and was on federal supervised release at the time of this latest assault,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “Focusing our prosecutions on repeat offenders and those with prior domestic violence convictions is one of our strategies to support community safety and address the root causes underlying the MMIP crisis. My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for all victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
“When Mr. Kensler was taken into custody, he was treated respectfully.” said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “The same cannot be said of how he treated his girlfriend. This case demonstrates successful partnerships, as in this case with the Kalispel Tribal Police, we can help reduce violent crime on our state’s reservations.”
“We are committed to the safety and security of our guests,” said Police Chief Rodney Schurger of the Kalispel Tribal Police Department. “Our officers responded swiftly to this violent incident and worked closely with the FBI to ensure that justice was served.”
“The safety of our guests, Tribal Members, and team members is our top priority,” said Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes. “Domestic violence and other violent crimes are growing concerns across the nation and in the Spokane region. We are thankful for the prompt actions of our Tribal Police Department and the FBI’s involvement in this case. We also appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their dedication to prosecuting violent offenders like Mr. Kensler and helping to keep our communities safe.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Kalispel Tribal Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.
2:24-cr-00074-TOR
Hanford Site Subcontractor Pleads Guilty to Stealing COVID-19 Relief Funding, Owner Agrees to Pay $1.1 Million in Restitution and PenaltiesRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that BNL Technical Services, LLC (BNL), pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $493,865 as part of a scheme to obtain COVID-19 relief funding. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian accepted BNL’s guilty plea, and set sentencing for March 11, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in Yakima, Washington. U.S. Attorney Waldref further announced that BNL’s owner, Wilson Pershing Stevenson III, of Nashville, Tennessee, agreed to pay $1,105,498 as part of a civil settlement in the case to resolve his individual liability arising from BNL’s receipt of COVID relief funding.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court and in information disclosed during court proceedings, between 2020 and 2021, BNL provided contract labor services to Hanford Site prime contractors. BNL’s labor costs and payroll continued to be paid by DOE throughout the pandemic, including when BNL employees were not able to physically work at the site and instead were teleworking or simply home in “ready” status.
In April of 2020, BNL applied for and received a $493,865 loan as part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide funding to small businesses in order to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for small and local businesses. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the United States, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may grant a small business borrower forgiveness so long as the loan proceeds have been used for payroll and other eligible expenses.
BNL fraudulently sought and obtained PPP funding for BNL employees despite their pay and benefits already being covered by DOE contract funds and other federal sources including the Veterans Administration. Shortly after receiving the funds, BNL transferred and used more than $424,230 of the PPP proceeds on unauthorized expenditures.
In August of 2021, BNL, through its sole owner Wilson Pershing Stevenson III, requested and was granted forgiveness of the $493,865 PPP loan, by falsely and fraudulently certifying the loan proceeds had been used for eligible uses and business expenses between April and October of 2020.
“These critical and limited COVID-19 funds were set aside to help small businesses stay afloat during a deadly pandemic. BNL fraudulently obtained these funds and then illegally used the money for their own purpose,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m proud of the work done by my Office’s COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force in this case. By holding fraudsters accountable, we are protecting small and local businesses that are so important to our community and economy.”
“Today’s guilty plea should send a message that the VA Office of Inspector General will diligently pursue those who would illegally line their pockets at the expense of the taxpayer,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners as part of the COVID-19 Strike Force to investigate fraud against relief programs intended to support bona fide recipients.”
“The misuse of pandemic relief funds intended to support struggling small businesses is a serious offense that undermines the integrity of critical assistance programs,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge Weston King. “Our office will remain steadfast in pursuing those who use such vital resources for personal gain. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office and our law enforcement partners for their collaboration and dedication to justice in this case.”
This case was investigated as part of the U.S. Attorney’s Office COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force, an interagency team of federal law enforcement agencies dedicated to combatting COVID relief fraud in Eastern Washington. The BNL case was investigated by the Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, Richland Field Office, the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the VA Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Fruchter and Tyler H.L. Tornabene are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
White Swan Man Who Choked His Pregnant Girlfriend Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - On October 21, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Branden Scott Higgins, age 34, of White Swan, Washington, to nearly 3 months in federal prison for choking and assaulting his girlfriend. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on September 10, 2023, Higgins and his girlfriend got into an argument about the couple’s finances. The argument escalated into a physical fight with Higgins pushing, then choking the victim, who was 26-weeks pregnant. Higgins then let go of the victim’s throat and grabbed a serrated knife and took two steps toward the victim before throwing the knife away.
The confrontation continued into the master bedroom. Higgins pushed the victim onto the bed and began to choke her until the victim began to lose consciousness. Higgins only stopped the assault when the couple’s young child walked into the room.
“Everyone deserves to live in a safe home. My heart goes out to this young mother who told investigators she feared for her life and the life of her unborn child while she was being choked to the point of unconsciousness,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to holding domestic violence offenders accountable, which is central to addressing the crisis of missing and murdered indigenous women and promoting safety and security on Tribal lands.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia A. Sikes and Courtney R. Pratten.
1:23-cr-02056-SAB
Spokane Dermatologist Indicted for Using Approximately $1.5 Million in COVID-19 Relief Funds to Buy Arizona Home, Sports Cars, and Other PropertiesRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a federal grand jury has an indicted a Spokane dermatologist, and his associated businesses, for fraudulently obtaining and using approximately $1.5 million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds to purchase luxury sports cars, buy real estate, and pay off personal debt.
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 such 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. EIDL funds were to be used solely as working capital to alleviate economic injury to a business caused by the COVID-19 disaster, such as paying payroll, health insurance premiums, rent, utilities, and fixed debt payments. EIDL funds were not to be used for personal purposes or to obtain real property or to pay off debts that were not yet due and owing, such as paying more than a fixed monthly payment on a mortgage or other loan.
The Indictment announced today charges William Philip Werschler, age 66, of Spokane, Washington, along with his businesses Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research L.L.C., and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C., with 23 counts of fraud in connection with how Werschler and his businesses allegedly spent EIDL loans.
Beginning no later than April 2020 and continuing until at least July 2022, Werschler applied for EIDL loans for his businesses: Spokane Dermatology Clinic, Premier Clinical Research, and 3rd and Sherman Plaza L.L.C. In total, Werschler and his businesses received more than $2.9 million in EIDL money.
The Indictment alleges that Werschler used the EIDL funds for personal purchases including over half of the $575,000 purchase price of a house in Scottsdale, Arizona; the purchase of a 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 for $166,687; the purchase of a 1997 Porsche Carrera for $88,687; and $123,960 to pay off a loan for a storage unit at 6720 N. Pittsburg Street that was used to store automobiles, jet skis, and a boat. According to the indictment, Werschler also allegedly used EIDL money to pay off the balance of a loan for property on Grant Street in Spokane, Washington, for $286,792, and $550,000 to purchase two properties across from his Spokane Dermatology Clinic, both contrary to the proper use of EIDL funds.
“Many small and local businesses struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Economic Injury Disaster Loan program was designed to provide those business owners an economic lifeline,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office has made it a priority to hold fraudsters accountable who used these critical funds to enrich themselves.”
This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigations, the FBI, and the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref Appoints Election Officer for the Eastern District of WashingtonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Frieda Zimmerman will lead the efforts of her Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election. AUSA Zimmerman has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Eastern District of Washington, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
United States Attorney Waldref said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election. Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
United States Attorney Waldref stated that: “The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to this right can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Zimmerman will be on duty in this District on election day. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (509) 353-2767.”
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (509) 458-8100.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
United States Attorney Waldref said, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over ballot drop boxes, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Pasco Man Who Attempted to Meet a 13-Year-Old for Sex at Richland Hotel Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Richland, Washington – On October 15, 2024, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Julio Cesar Anaya, age 45, of Pasco, Washington, to 84 months in federal prison on child exploitation charges. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed a lifetime of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in March of 2022, a Kennewick detective working with the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (SER-ICAC) working in an undercover capacity as a 13-year-old girl, posted an ad on a website that is a well-known platform for sexual encounters. Anaya responded to the ad and began communicating with the detective, believing the detective to be a 13-year-old girl. Over the next three weeks, Anaya repeatedly discussed engaging in sexual intercourse with the child and requested that the child send him child pornography—that is, naked pictures of herself. Anaya also attempted to persuade the person he believed to be a 13-year-old girl to come to his house in Pasco. In one particularly deliberate act, he even offered to pay for her Uber.
Ultimately, Anaya said he planned to rent a hotel room in Richland near her home to facilitate a meeting with the girl. On April 11, 2023, Anaya booked a hotel room in Richland, told the purported child the hotel location and instructed her when to arrive. He also shared his detailed plans to engage in sex with the child.
On April 12, 2023, Anaya arrived at the hotel and checked in. A few moments later he was placed under arrest by detectives with the Richland Police Department. Anaya was carrying two cell phones and two bags when he was arrested. A search warrant for his bags revealed that he had brought with him massage oil, condoms, erectile dysfunction medication, lubricant, and hand sanitizer. In Anaya’s primary phone, he had communications with the purported 13-year-old; in his other phone he had saved more than 300 images of child pornography involving minor children – including infants and toddlers.
“Mr. Anaya booked a hotel room in Richland and made detailed plans to meet a person he believed was a 13-year-old child for illicit sex. Further investigation revealed Mr. Anaya was in possession of dozens of videos and images showing the sexual exploitation of young children,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the important and difficult work that detectives on the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force do everyday to prevent horrific victimization of children, remove dangerous offenders from our community, and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
“It is incredibly fortunate that this child predator’s attempt at victimizing a person whom he believed to be a teenage girl was thwarted by our law enforcement partnerships,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “The devasting impact of online predators cannot be overstated. This sentence sends a strong message that abusing children will not be tolerated, whether it is downloading and possessing child pornography, trying to meet children for sex, or any other form of child exploitation.”
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 Southeast Regional ICAC Task Force, consisting of Homeland Security Investigations and the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland.
4:23-cr-06023-SAB
U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with Inland Northwest Behavioral Health to Ensure Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities ActRead the Press Release
Spokane, WA – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Inland Northwest Behavioral Health has agreed to take remedial measures over the next two years and pay ten thousand dollars in compensatory damages to resolve alleged violations of Title III of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA).
A former patient of Inland Northwest Behavioral Health alleged that he was required to provide documentation of a service animal in violation of the ADA’s requirements, that he was not allowed to conduct visitation indoors with the service animal, and that he was segregated from other patients of Inland Northwest Behavioral Health while utilizing the service animal.
Inland Northwest Behavioral Health fully and promptly cooperated with the investigation and agreed to take concrete remedial measures to comply with the ADA.
Under the terms of the settlement, Inland Northwest Behavioral Health is required to pay $10,000 in compensatory damages to the individual with disabilities. The settlement further requires Inland Northwest Behavioral Health to undertake the following:
- Implement and utilize a written Title III ADA service animal policy
- Require annual employee training addressing the requirements of the ADA
- Conspicuously post notices to patients and employees at the facility that service animals are welcome
- Submit reports to the United States Attorney’s Office every twelve months for the next two years certifying full compliance with all remedial terms of the agreement and self-reporting any allegations of violations of the ADA so they can be fully investigated.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act provides individuals many protections, including the use of service animals. This agreement compels Inland Northwest Behavioral Health to take steps to make sure this right is protected for individuals in the future.” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to protect the civil rights of all citizens in our district.”
The settlement was the result of a complaint filed on ADA.gov and the resulting investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. The public is encouraged to report suspected ADA violations at ADA.gov, or individuals can report suspected ADA violations directly to the U.S. Attorney’s Office at [email protected] or by calling the Civil Rights Complaint Line at (509) 835-6306. The full settlement agreement, including the required Service Animal Policy, is available at the bottom of this page.
Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks of the Eastern District of Washington handled the matter on behalf of the United States.
settlement_agreement_sept_2024_v.1.pdfSpokane Man Involved in Robbery of Large Amount of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Brady Baughman, age 34, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Robbery Affecting Commerce and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 30 Grams or More of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 120 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on February 6, 2022, Baughman went to a stash house in Spokane to buy a large quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a drug trafficking organization operating in Spokane. Baughman presented $12,000.00 of counterfeit U.S. currency to members of the drug trafficking organization. Immediately recognizing that the buy money was counterfeit, the sellers declined the sale. Baughman then robbed drug couriers who were entering the stash house carrying controlled substances inside a kitty litter bucket and a backpack. Baughman then sped off in his vehicle with the stolen drugs.
Members of the drug trafficking organization attempted to find Baughman. They ultimately tracked Baughman near the intersection of Nettleton and Rowan in Spokane and fired several shots at his vehicle during high-speed pursuit. Baughman fled from the vehicle with the kitty litter bucket and backpack.
Immediately thereafter, Spokane Police Department (SPD) located the kitty litter bucket and backpack, abandoned, lying in the parking lot of a business nearby. The kitty litter bucket contained approximately 16 pounds of Methamphetamine. The backpack contained 50,441 fentanyl laced pills.
After an arrest warrant was issued for his involvement with the robbery, on August 12, 2022, SPD located Baughman after an SPD officer observed Baughman driving a motorcycle more than 55 mph in a 30-mph zone. The SPD officer activated his lights and attempted a traffic stop. Baughman refused to pull over, ran several stop signs and traffic lights, and sped off into a residential neighborhood. The SPD officer was required to abandon his pursuit. A few minutes later, Baughman crashed his motorcycle and sustained a serious head injury. Inside a backpack Baughman was carrying, SPD officers found a loaded 9mm pistol and 1,178 fentanyl pills.
When Baughman, who was in the hospital being treated for injuries from the motorcycle crash, became aware he had been indicted and was wanted by law enforcement, he fled the medical center.
After remaining a fugitive for almost a year, on March 28, 2023, Baughman was located and arrested on his outstanding warrants. During a search incident to arrest, officers located a blue bottle with 100 fentanyl laced pills. During a search of the car, SPD found an additional 1,500 fentanyl laced pills.
“The scope of Mr. Baughman’s criminal conduct is shocking. From the robbery of a large amount of deadly drugs, to a high-speed getaway with shots fired, and including a reckless attempt to avoid law enforcement that ended with serious injury, Mr. Baughman’s actions repeatedly put our community in danger,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for our close partnerships with local and federal law enforcement who work to hold people like Mr. Baughman accountable for their actions and make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.”
“This case is a snapshot of the threats to the community posed by drug traffickers like Mr. Baughman,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “He engaged in reckless and violent behavior, all while trying to poison our community with fentanyl and methamphetamine for his personal gain. I am proud of the efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners in safely bringing this case to a conclusion.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Spokane Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
2:22-cr-00072-MKD
Department of Justice Announces more than $600,000 in Federal Funding for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to Respond to and Prevent Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Department of Justice grant award for the Kalispel Indian Community of the Kalispel Reservation (Kalispel Tribe of Indians). The grant allocates $610,000 to respond to and prevent sexual assault.
In announcing this award, U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “This latest grant award demonstrates the federal government’s continued commitment to combatting sexual violence, including within Tribal communities in Eastern Washington, which disproportionately impacts women and vulnerable populations. Victims of sexual assault deserve to live in a world where they feel safe – free from abuse and the fear of abuse.”
With this funding, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians will hire one full-time sexual assault advocate to provide crisis intervention, emergency services, advocacy, and referrals. The Kalispel Tribe also will use the grant award to manage an emergency hotline as well develop materials to provide resources and support to survivors of sexual assault.
“The Kalispel Tribe is deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our people and our community,” says Kalispel Vice Chair and Executive Director of Kalispel Casino & Government Affairs, Curt Holmes. “We have invested in a robust Victim Assistance Services program for the past 21 years. This grant funding will allow us to add much needed additional staff as we serve approximately 760 victims each year. Not only do we serve tribal members and non-tribal members, we are also a frequent referral source for law enforcement agencies, other victim service providers, and social service agencies in both Spokane and Pend Oreille Counties. As the need in our community continues to grow, the Kalispel Tribe is committed to providing victims with valuable resources in an effort to break the cycle of violence.”
Kalispel Tribe Victim Assistance Services (“KTVAS”) provides services throughout Pend Oreille County, including the Ione and Metaline Falls areas, and Spokane Counties, including the West Plains Region of Cheney, Airway Heights, and the US Airforce Base at Fairchild. KTVAS also serves Kalispel Tribal Members and Members from all other Tribes, as they are the only Tribal Victim Service program on the east side of the State that provides culturally specific services to all Native Americans.
Funding for the $610,000 grant was awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2024 Tribal Sexual Assault Services Program. The program supports projects to create, maintain and expand sustainable sexual assault services provided by tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit tribal organizations within Indian country and Alaska Native villages.
City of Yakima Awarded more than $350,000 to Combat Domestic Violence and Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced a Department of Justice grant award for the City of Yakima. The grant allocates $353,998 to combat domestic violence. The grant was awarded on September 13, 2024.
Funding for the grant was awarded by The Office on Violence Against Women, Fiscal Year 2024 Enhancing Investigation and Prosecution of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Initiative. This initiative encourages law enforcement agencies and prosecutors’ offices to expand and improve their capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute domestic violence, support victim safety, and hold offenders accountable.
The project description for the $353,998 grant awarded to the City of Yakima says the funds will be used by the City of Yakima, Washington, in partnership with the YWCA Yakima, to provide a victim advocate, identify high risk cases for referral to the Domestic Violence High Risk Team, provide more resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, and provide training for officers and prosecutors to recognize and address bias about victims of domestic violence.
“Supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault and holding individuals accountable who perpetrate this violence is critical to building safer and strong communities. This award demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to working with law enforcement and community partners to fund critical services to assist sexual assault survivors, protect victims of crime, amplify their voices, and to seek justice on behalf of all citizens in Eastern Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref.
“The City of Yakima Prosecution Division is excited for the opportunity to enhance domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking prosecution efforts, including victim advocacy services through our partnership with YWCA Yakima, and supported by the grant resources provided by the Office on Violence Against Women,” said City Prosecutor Cynthia Martinez. “The Prosecution Division, Yakima Law Enforcement, and our community partners, including the YWCA Yakima, are committed to holding offenders accountable, supporting victims and their children in their efforts to remain safe, and eliminating bias at all levels in the City of Yakima criminal justice system. The Prosecution Division welcomes this opportunity to expand and improve our current service delivery for the City of Yakima.”
Additional information about grants and funding through the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs is available at https://www.ojp.gov. Information regarding the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence against Women is available at https://www.justice.gov/ovw.
Yakima Man Who Violated No-Contact Order Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Benjamin Cliett, pleaded guilty to one charge of Person Subject to a Court Order in Possession of Firearms. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Cliett’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for March 4, 2025, in Yakima, Washington.
According to the plea agreement, testimony from an earlier trial, and other court filings, on July 23, 2022, officers with the Yakima Police Department (YPD) were dispatched to Cliett’s residence in Yakima. Dispatch told the YPD that neighbors had called to report screaming and other loud noises coming from the residence. YPD also observed groceries spoiling in the sun. When YPD knocked on the front door, all noises stopped from inside the residence.
Aware that Cliett had a no-contact order protecting his intimate partner and fearing that a domestic violence incident was occurring inside, YPD entered the residence. YPD conducted a protective sweep of the residence and found Cliett hiding in a dog kennel in the back yard. Cliett was arrested for violating the no-contact order. While conducting the sweep, YPD observed a tall gun safe in Cliett’s bedroom.
The gun safe was forcibly opened and found to contain more than 14 firearms. Cliett’s residence was also found to contain more than two dozen ammunition magazines as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Cliett had previously declared under penalty of perjury before the City of Yakima Municipal Court that he did not have any firearms in his possession.
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.
“The unlawful possession of firearms by domestic violence abusers is too often deadly for victims of intimate partner violence and lethal for law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls. In this case, Mr. Cliett possessed more than a dozen firearms he knew he should not have and that he did not disclose when the Yakima Municipal Court issued a no-contact order for his partner,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My Office’s Safe Home Safe Community Initiative focuses on curbing gun violence by removing firearms unlawfully possessed by individuals with a track record of violent crime and domestic violence – these efforts protect victims, law enforcement, and the entire community.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Yakima Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.
Walla Walla Man Who Attempted to Flee from Police Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Troy Michael Hays, age 30, was sentenced for Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 31, 2023, Detectives with the Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD) attempted to stop Hays, who was driving a gray Acura Integra, for reckless driving. Hays sped off and was not pursued at that time.
A few hours later, WWPD Detectives spotted Hays driving the same Acura Integra. Hays sped through a stop sign and turned a corner. Detectives activated their emergency lights and followed Hays’s car. When detectives turned the corner, they saw the Acura Integra several blocks ahead, speeding through a residential neighborhood. Detectives watched the Acura drive into a dead-end street and then lost sight of the vehicle. When Detectives arrived at the dead-end, they saw the Acura Integra stopped, hanging over the edge of a canal that ran perpendicular to the dead-end street. The Integra’s engine was still running; however, Hays had bailed out and fled. A short time later, WWPD located Hays in Wildwood Park, which was close where he abandoned the Acura.
Back at the Acura, Detectives noticed several rounds of loose ammunition in the car and became concerned that Hays had disposed of a firearm while running from the crash scene. The following morning, WWPD and the Walla Walla Regional Drug Gun Task Force returned to the canal. There, detectives located a 9mm Glock handgun placed between two pieces of concrete about 600 feet from where the Acura Integra crashed. Further examination of the gun revealed there was no debris or dust on it, consistent with the firearm being placed in the location recently, and Hays’s DNA was confirmed to be present on the machine gun. A distribution quantity of rainbow fentanyl-laced pills were also located in the vehicle.
The firearm had a “Glock switch” on it, which is a modification that attaches to the rear of a Glock handgun to convert it from semi-auto handgun to an automatic machine gun. The firearm had been reported stolen from Oregon.
“Mr. Hays recklessly attempted to run from law enforcement and dispose of a firearm with an illegal machinegun conversion device,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Gun ‘switches’ convert handguns into dangerous automatic machine guns that pose a significant danger to law enforcement and our communities. Protecting the public is our top priority, and my office is working hand in hand with federal, state, and local partners to remove these devices from our streets for everyone’s safety.”
“This sentence was clearly warranted,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Hays’ reckless behavior behind the wheel of a car, compounded by his possession of a machine gun, was clearly a danger to the community. Those possessing and using these illegal adapters to turn semi-automatic firearms into machine guns put themselves and the public at risk.”
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Walla Walla Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
4:23-cr-06013-SAB
Spokane Man Caught with Methamphetamine Sent Through the U.S. Mail Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Ramon Alonso Delgado, age 24, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or more of Actual Methamphetamine. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 51 months in federal prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on August 30, 2022, a postal inspector in Spokane was contacted by another postal inspector in Arizona about a suspicious parcel, addressed to Delgado’s Spokane address. The parcel was subsequently sent directly to the U.S. Postal Inspector’s Office in Spokane.
On September 2, 2022, the postal inspector executed a search warrant on the parcel and seized a pound of methamphetamine and 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills.
“My office will continue to battle the drug epidemic on all fronts, including attempts to use the U.S. Postal Service as a way to traffic illegal substances,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Thanks to the stellar investigative work by our law enforcement partners and dedicated prosecutors in my office, drugs that are responsible for so much death and destruction in our communities were removed from the street, and the distributors were held accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing should send a clear message that using the U.S. Mail to facilitate drug trafficking activities will not be tolerated,” stated Anthony Galetti, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Seattle Division. “This successful investigation is a result of strong partnerships both within the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and with our local and federal law enforcement partners. Together we will continue to be vigilant in the pursuit of justice against those who illegally utilize the U.S. Postal Service to traffic dangerous narcotics.”
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick J. Cashman and Timothy J. Ohms.
2:22-cr-00126-TOR
Washington Man Sentenced to Prison for Assaulting His Partner with a Knife and Attempting to Suffocate HerRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Marvin Samson Butterfly, age 40, to 70 months in federal prison on charges 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 (70 months on each count to be served concurrently). Butterfly was convicted of those crimes on April 9, 2024, following a jury trial. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Butterfly is released from prison.
According to court documents and information introduced at trial and sentencing, 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, who is an enrolled member of the Spokane Tribe told officers that Butterfly assaulted her. Butterfly was upset with the victim because she had let another woman shelter in her home during a spell of cold weather. Butterfly began shouting, took out a long knife, and stabbed the floors, doors, and furniture. Butterfly assaulted the victim by holding the knife against her throat. Butterfly then pushed the victim down on the couch, placed his hand over her mouth and attempted to suffocate her. After the victim was able to pry Butterfly’s fingers off her face, Butterfly left the home in the victim’s car. Officers found Butterfly the next morning asleep in the victim’s car.
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 – i.e., getting out of jail – so long as the victim did not cooperate with investigators.
“The victim in this case suffered terrifying acts of abuse and intimidation, stated Vanessa Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Domestic violence is one of the root causes underlying the MMIP crisis. My office is committed to working with our partners in Tribal and Federal law enforcement to secure justice for the victims and to build safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington. I am grateful that the victim in his case was undeterred and that my office has built a strong support mechanism to protect the brave victims, that seek to end the abusive cycle of violence.”
“Terrifying is the word that best describes the ordeal Mr. Butterfly inflicted upon the victim in this case.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I’m thankful the victim was courageous and advocated for herself to help put Mr. Butterfly in custody where he belongs. Curbing violent crime on our state’s reservations remains a priority for the FBI and our partners here in Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Spokane Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Ellis.
Former Law Enforcement Officer Sentenced to more than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Online Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Koby Don Williams, age 49, of Ellensburg, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Attempted Online Enticement. Williams was convicted of this crime on May 14, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 135 months in federal prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, on July 23, 2022, Williams replied to a decoy Craigslist post as part of an undercover law enforcement operation meant to identify individuals interested in and willing to meet with minors for sex. The post indicated that “Rebecca” was a 13-year-old prostitute. Over the next three days, Williams called and chatted over text with “Rebecca,” who Williams believed to be a minor. During the conversations, Williams discussed “Rebecca’s” age; what Williams would pay for sex acts, Williams’s employment as a “cop;” and arrangements to meet “Rebecca” at a hotel for sex.
On July 26, 2022, Williams arrived at the Quality Inn in Othello, Washington, to meet “Rebecca.” He was met by law enforcement and arrested. Following a search of Williams and his vehicle, officers located Williams’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement badge, two bottles of generic Viagra, and $4,075 in U.S. currency in a credit union envelope. Williams testified at trial both that he did not believe “Rebecca” was a minor and that he was there to rescue a minor. The guilty verdict at trial demonstrated that jurors did not believe Williams’s testimony.
“Mr. Williams held a duty of trust within the Eastern Washington law enforcement community, and he breached that trust by seeking out what he thought was a child for sex. He then attempted to use his position as a law enforcement officer to explain away his conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Thanks to the excellent investigative work by local and federal law enforcement, and by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick, who secured the guilty verdict at trial, Mr. Williams is now being held accountable.”
“Mr. Williams knew exactly what he was doing as he attempted to meet a minor for sex.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “What makes this even more despicable is that he was a member of law enforcement, entrusted with protecting the public. Mr. Williams’ actions both endangered our community’s most vulnerable and betrayed the trust endowed to our public safety professionals. Safeguarding children is not only a priority for the FBI but is also one of the more noble tasks we perform.”
“Sexual exploitation of children, human sex trafficking of children, and internet crimes against children often go unnoticed. It is deeply concerning when a member of law enforcement is involved in committing these horrific acts,” said Othello Police Detective Sergeant Brent McFarlane. “Sadly, the online world provides criminals with easy access to children. This stark reality underscores the need for proactive and coordinated investigations. This case demonstrates the collaboration between federal and state partners to protect the most vulnerable and hold perpetrators accountable.”
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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 www.projectsafechildhood.gov
This case was investigated by the FBI, DHS/OIG, Othello Police Department, Moses Lake Police Department, and the Toppenish Police Department, with the assistance of the Washington State Department of Corrections. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann Wick.
Mayor Brown Proposes Creating New Special Assistant United States Attorney Position to Focus on Narcotics Prosecution in City of SpokaneRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - A proposal put forward by Mayor Lisa Brown would combine federal and city resources to establish a Special U.S. Assistant Attorney to focus on narcotics prosecution impacting the City of Spokane.
If approved by the City Council, this attorney will be a city employee who works in collaboration with the Eastern District of Washington U.S. Attorney’s Office. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will provide office space, training, day-to-day supervision, and will assist with recruitment, interviewing and identifying successful candidates.
Developing this role in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office ensures that the City will have close relationships with federal agencies like the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and have enhanced penalty provisions for high-level drug dealers and traffickers.
“Our community has been deeply affected by the opioid epidemic. To address this crisis, I am looking to partner a new special attorney to target the root of the problem – drug dealing and trafficking. By focusing upstream, we aim to cut off the supply before it reaches out most vulnerable, preventing more people from falling victim and giving our community a chance to heal,” Mayor Brown said. “I am grateful to U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref and her team for their partnership in this effort. Together, we will create better outcomes for our community.”
“The City of Spokane and the U.S. Attorney’s Office share the same goal - a safer, stronger community for all who call Spokane home. The dramatic increase in the use of fentanyl in the last few years has destroyed countless lives,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, who serves as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Washington. U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “We stand prepared to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to address the damage being done to our communities. Working together, we are better equipped to address the fentanyl crisis — bringing justice to purveyors of poison in our neighborhoods and sparing community members and families from the tragedy of deadly drug poisonings. I am grateful for our partnership with the City of Spokane, and I look forward to continuing to work with the Mayor’s team on critical public safety projects for our community.”
About the City of Spokane
The City of Spokane, home to more than 229,000 people, is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. Our 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. For more information, visit www.spokanecity.org and follow us @spokanecity on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the U.S. Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney's Office is responsible for representing the federal government in almost all litigation involving the United States in the Eastern District of Washington, which is comprised of the 20 Washington counties east of the Cascade Mountains. The U.S. Attorney’s Office handles all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, as well as civil lawsuits by and against the U.S. government. It is the mission and the pledge of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to represent the United States with determination, professionalism, and integrity. The District’s headquarters is located in Spokane, Washington, with branch offices in Richland and Yakima.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer Faces Federal Charges for Sexual AssaultRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Darren Bowannie, age 34, with Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. Bowannie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Monday, September 9, 2024.
Bowannie was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a lead correctional officer. According to the indictment, Bowannie transported individuals who were in the custody of the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Bureau of Indian Affairs to and from the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem, Washington.
The indictment alleges that on February 9, 2024, Bowannie, who was working as a correctional officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the time, was transporting an individual from Wellpinit, Washington to Nespelem, Washington. In his role as a correctional officer, Bowannie’s duties included prisoner transport to and from the BIA’s jail in Wellpinit. During the transport, Bowannie allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted the individual he was transporting. If convicted, Bowannie faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.
“Our society places significant trust in law enforcement. Every day we rely on law enforcement officers who put themselves at risk to keep our communities safe and uphold their oath to protect and serve. When law enforcement fails to uphold this trust, my office will carefully investigate allegations of wrongdoing and seek justice to reestablish trust, protect victims, and to keep our communities safe and strong," said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.
The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis and Tim M. Durkin are prosecuting 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.
Othello Man Indicted for Rolling Back and Replacing OdometersRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Reynaldo Valdez Garza Jr., age 52, of Othello, Washington, with five counts of Odometer Tampering. Garza made his first appearance in Federal Court on September 9, 2024.
The indictment alleges that beginning in May of 2023, Garza carried out a scheme to acquire used cars with high mileage, tamper with or replace the odometers in the vehicles to make the cars mileage appear much lower, then advertise and sell the vehicles to unsuspecting buyers for an inflated price. According to the indictment, in some cases, Garza caused odometers to be rolled back more than 100,000 miles.
The indictment further alleges that in some instances Gaza would wait for the buyer to sign their section of the Bill of Sale paperwork, then fill in the “seller” section with different information than what was represented to the buyer regarding the identity of the seller and mileage.
“The purchase of a vehicle is often one of the largest financial commitments people make. It is important that buyers have confidence in the information they receive when deciding which vehicle to purchase,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to protecting consumers from fraudsters who seek to cheat the system for their own gain.”
This case was investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devin Curda.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wapato Man Indicted for Second-Degree MurderRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Jason Alexander Logie, age 35, of Wapato, Washington, with Second Degree Murder. Logie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Wednesday, September 4, 2024. A detention hearing in this case is set for September 6, 2024.
The indictment alleges that on September 9, 2023, Logie killed his victim on the Yakama Nation. The allegations stem from a car crash that occurred on that afternoon. One individual was killed and another was injured after Logie, who allegedly was drinking, drove his vehicle across the center line and struck the victims’ oncoming vehicle. If convicted, Logie, faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.
“Vehicular homicides on Tribal land have a devastating impact, which extends far beyond the immediate victims. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. My office is committed to partnering with Tribal leaders and Tribal law enforcement to hold those accountable that commit acts of violence or drive while under the influence on Native American Reservations,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.
The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy is prosecuting 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.
Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation Awarded more than $1 Million to Fight Gang and Cartel CrimeRead the Press Release
Yakima, Washington – The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation has been awarded a million-dollar grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants program to address active gang and cartel-related drug activity and violent crime on the reservation, announced Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.
“The strong partnerships we have with the leaders of the Yakama Nation are critical to our shared mission of addressing the root causes of the MMIP crisis, which include combatting illegal narcotics and reducing violent crime. This grant demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to partnering with Tribes to ensure the safety and security of Indigenous communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working together we will continue to build trust and foster stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
The project description for the $1,028,000 awarded to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation says the funds will be used by the Yakama Nation Public Safety Department (YNPD) to dedicate up to four officers to the local county and Federal Drug Task Forces, purchase equipment, provide detention space, and provide essential investigative resources.
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is a U.S. Department of Justice formula grant program. The JAG program allocates funds to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands for a variety of state and local criminal justice initiatives. The program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).
Cusick Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Stealing more than $155,000 Designated for Small Businesses During the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Nathan Michael Triano, age 41, of Cusick, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Wire Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 18 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $157,154.50.
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 such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to retain jobs and maintain payroll during the pandemic.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Triano obtained six PPP loans totaling $140,865.00 by submitting materially false and fraudulent information concerning various purported businesses. In addition to the PPP funds dispersed to Triano, the United States also incurred a loss of $15,000.00 in lender fees for the PPPs, resulting in a total actual and intended loss of at least $155,865.00.
“Many small and local businesses had financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were designed to help businesses navigate that uncertain time and keep people employed. Mr. Tirano’s actions caused limited funds to be diverted away from companies that needed the money, and instead went to line his own pockets, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the good work of all our partners on the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force who continue to hold pandemic fraudsters accountable.”
“Pandemic relief funds were a critical lifeline for countless small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Weston King, SBA OIG Special Agent in Charge for the Western Region. “This sentencing underscores the serious consequences of diverting resources away from businesses that genuinely needed them. We are grateful for the collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in bringing justice to those who abuse these essential programs.”
“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who creates fraudulent schemes or who fraudulently gets money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program,” said Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office in making sure these crimes are prosecuted.”
The case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by SBA-OIG, TIGTA, DOL-OIG, DHS-HSI and DHS-OIG. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley.