Western District of Washington
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Five indicted for drug trafficking in “the Jungle” and Seattle’s International DistrictRead the Press Release
Seattle – Five Seattle-area men are in custody following a grand jury indictment for their drug trafficking activity in Seattle’s homeless encampments and International District, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The men are charged federally and have made their initial appearances over the last few days.
“We are all focused on increasing community safety, especially in Seattle’s International District,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The Seattle Police Department, the FBI, DEA, and other law enforcement partners have worked tirelessly to identify members of this drug ring who are peddling drugs in the International District and homeless encampments. They prey on the most vulnerable and with guns and threats increase the danger on our streets.”
“This organization took advantage of many people’s addictions, homelessness, and other vulnerabilities, often using violence or threats of violence,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our partners, the FBI will continue to pursue drug trafficking organizations and remove dangerous individuals from our communities to keep Seattle and Washington state safer.”
The five men named in the indictment are:
Tommy Pham, 37, of Newcastle, Washington
Donfeuy Saephan, 54, of Seattle
Khampheth Keodara, 42, of Seattle
Sang Tran, 54, of Kent, Washington
Theodore Nation, 35, of Seattle
According to records filed in the case, the investigation began in November 2023, with the Seattle Police, FBI, and DEA focusing on a drug trafficking organization dealing fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin in the homeless encampments of Seattle and in drug trafficking areas of the International District at locations such as 12th and Jackson. Some of the defendants were arrested with firearms. Using a court authorized wiretap, investigators gathered evidence of the drug trafficking and made arrests and seizures over the course of the investigation. Law enforcement heard intimations of violence on the calls and worked to intervene without tipping off the targets of the investigation.
During the arrest operation over the last few days, law enforcement seized 17 firearms and 23 kilos of suspected fentanyl powder.
Five defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, Theodore Nation is charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute. Pham and Tran are charged with distribution of controlled substances. Pham is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm because he has criminal history that bars him from possessing firearms.
The current charges carry a mandatory minimum ten years in prison for the conspiracy and some drug counts. Possession with intent to distribute is punishable by a mandatory minimum five years in prison. Illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
“We’re proud to work with our federal partners on this enforcement action. The Seattle Police Department will continue to take the necessary steps to continue ensuring our city is safe and welcoming for all,” said Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr.
“The fentanyl powder alone seized from this group could have unleashed 1.7 million potentially deadly doses of fentanyl into our community,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This group posed a major threat to our neighborhoods, and I am proud of the work of DEA and our partners in neutralizing this danger.”
“This operation speaks to the stand against drug trafficking from all levels of law enforcement,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office. “We will continue doing our part to expose the profits of drug trafficking because we believe there should be no profit in crime.”
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
The investigation was led by the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) with significant assistance from the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Investigators also worked with the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Tukwila Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.
Snohomish County man pleads guilty to producing images of child sexual abuse and attempted enticement of minorsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 43-year-old Snohomish County man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to production of images of child sexual abuse and attempted enticement of minors, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Bennett S. Park was arrested in August 2023, when he was attempting to pick up a 13-year-old in a residential area of Everett, Washington. Park had told an undercover law enforcement officer that he planned to pick up and molest the 13-year-old. When Park is sentenced by U. S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez, prosecutors will recommend no more than 25 years in prison and the defense will recommend no less than 20 years. Judge Martinez is not bound by the recommendations. Sentencing is scheduled for April 25, 2025.
According to the plea agreement, in July 2023, Park responded to an online add placed by an undercover Homeland Security Investigation agent, falsely claiming that the agent had two young children that could be molested. In his response, Park indicated that he was actively molesting children between the ages of 11 and 17. Park indicated he wanted to molest the agent’s fictional children but was already meeting a 13-year-old. Law enforcement quickly put Park under surveillance to identify and protect the 13-year-old. Just after 1:45 am on August 8, 2023, law enforcement arrested Park just after the 13-year-old got in his vehicle.
After Park’s arrest a review of his electronic devices revealed he had communicated with dozens of minors. Twenty-three of the minor victims were identified. Park had convinced them to provide images of sexual abuse via Instagram, Discord, Snapchat, Facebook, Gmail and Zoom platforms. In the plea agreement Park details his crimes with eight different minor victims.
Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to 30 years in prison. Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
Bothell biopharmaceutical company pays $4 million to resolve allegations it relied on falsified academic papers to obtain federal grantRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Bothell, Washington, pharmaceutical company will pay $4,068,698 to resolve allegations it used falsified academic research to obtain grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH), announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The research studies in question were into age-related cognitive decline such as Alzheimer’s. However, when the company applied for a federal grant, it failed to notify NIH of allegations that its former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) committed research misconduct when she falsified images from her doctoral dissertation. The allegations were called to the government’s attention through a qui tam lawsuit. The relator will receive a portion of the payment for uncovering the fraud.
“The research into neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease is critical to growing numbers of patients in our community. That research must not be tainted by the misconduct highlighted in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “To its credit, Athira immediately notified NIH of the research misconduct after the full board of directors learned of it. The company’s transparency significantly helped Athira mitigate its damages and demonstrated its resolve towards coming into compliance with the relevant law and regulations.”
“The partnership between the scientific community and the federal government is built on trust and shared values of ethical scientific conduct,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates that the Department of Justice will pursue grantees that undermine the integrity of federal funding decisions.”
The settlement resolves allegations that between January 1, 2016, and June 20, 2021, Athira failed to report allegations that its former CEO, Leen Kawas, falsified and manipulated scientific images in her doctoral dissertation and in published research papers that were referenced in several grant applications submitted to NIH, including in a grant that NIH funded in 2019. Specifically, Athira violated its regulatory obligations to disclose the allegations to NIH in grant applications and Research Progress Performance Reports, and to disclose them to the HHS Office of Research Integrity in Small Business Organization Statements, Institutional Assurances, or Annual Reports on Possible Research Misconduct.
The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Andrew P. Mallon, Ph.D. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Mallon will receive $203,434 under today’s settlement. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Andrew Mallon v. Athira Pharma, Inc., No. 2:21-853-RSL (W.D. Wash.).
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington, with assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Bohl for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Erin Colleran.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Registered Sex Offender sentenced to 10 years in prison for possession of images of child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
Seattle –A 53-year-old Des Moines, Washington, man, who is a registered sex offender, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Edward James Creed was on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision when he was found to have unapproved electronic devices in his residence and images of child sexual abuse on his phone. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, “creating a market for this material perpetuates the horrific abuse of children.”
According to records filed in the case, Creed previously served more than ten years in state custody for a 2008 Kitsap County conviction for rape of a child. He was released in 2017 but was returned to custody for a time in 2019. In March of 2024, community corrections review of his phone revealed that he had collected seventy images of child sexual abuse. After his arrest, a search of his room at the sex offender residence revealed that he had a number of unapproved electronic devices.
In asking for the ten year sentence Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson wrote to the court, “In light of the defendant’s demonstrated sexualized interest in minors, it bears repeating that it is exceedingly troubling Creed successfully completed a sexual deviancy treatment program in prison and after two relatively short periods of time in the community was caught seeking out (2020) or successfully obtaining (2024) child sexual abuse material and unlawfully accessing the internet to do so…. He has proven history of deceiving those tasked with monitoring him in the community and has demonstrated a significant commitment to do so.”
Judge Evanson ordered Creed to be on 15 years of supervised release to follow prison.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Washington State Department of Corrections.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson.
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc.
Owner of chain of Bikini Barista coffee stands sentenced for failing to report up to $6 million in incomeRead the Press Release
Seattle –The owner of a string of bikini barista coffee stands was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 10 months in prison and a $75,000 fine for making and subscribing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Between 2016 and 2020 Assad Baragzai, 47, of Yarrow Point, Washington, failed to report as much as $6 million in income on his tax returns. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, the tax system “is an honor system… and you weren’t honorable. (There was) absolutely no reason for you to be cheating on your taxes except for pure greed.”
“Our government relies on the 85 percent of Americans who each year pay the taxes they owe to keep communities safe, and provide all the other important services we need,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Mr. Baragzai had great business success, but failed to fund the community that made that success possible. Such conduct is not erased by paying what is owed some five years later – it is appropriate that he serve prison time for his willful tax fraud.”
According to records in the case, Baragzai significantly under-reported his income when he provided information to his tax accountant. The government believes that the tax loss over the five years that Baragzai underreported his income is more than $1.7 million. The tax loss in 2017 alone is more than $687,000. Baragzai disputes the government figures and argued that he had some legitimate deductions making the tax loss is $1.3 million. Judge Lin determined the tax loss was $1,348, 154.
In asking for a two-year prison term Assistant United States Attorney Mike Dion wrote to the court, “Assad Baragzai reaped the benefits of American society but somehow convinced himself that he did not need to pay his share of the costs that support that society. All Americans pay a price for this kind of selfishness. For example, school lunches are provided by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. But for this prosecution, Baragzai’s tax fraud would have cost the government the equivalent of 462,000 school lunches.”
“Instead of paying his fair share toward public resources as every law-abiding American does, Mr. Baragzai misrepresented his income to furnish an already-lavish lifestyle,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office.
Baragzai is the second defendant to be sentenced in this investigation. In October 2024, Baragzai’s brother-in-law, 45-year-old Rajesh Mathew, of Auburn, Washington, was sentenced to 30 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for making and subscribing a false tax return.
Baragzai has agreed to pay restitution to the IRS. He may also face additional civil penalties, fines, and interest for the tax loss.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion.
Dearborn, Michigan man, who used fake refund scheme to defraud retailers of more than $4 million, sentenced to three years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 27-year-old Dearborn, Michigan, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison and three years of supervised release for a fraud scheme damaging retailers across the country, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. Sajed Al-Maarej operated “Simple Refunds” through the messaging service Telegram, where coconspirators were encouraged to purchase items from retailers Al-Maarej claimed he could defraud. Al-Maarej and his staff of “professional refunders” impersonated the purchaser and lied to the retailer about the status of the item to secure a refund for the purchaser, while permitting the purchaser to keep the ordered item. The scheme caused more than $4 million in losses for retailers and induced young adults nationwide to join a criminal scheme. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik noted that the fraud “was a difficult and expensive proposition” for the victim companies. “We need to send a message that this behavior is criminal,” Judge Lasnik said.
“This defendant enticed many young and naïve online contacts to his illegal refunding scheme – some perhaps believed Al-Maarej’s spiel that this conduct was not illegal. They were badly misled,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Teal L. Miller. “This fraudulent refund scheme hurts retailers and ultimately raises prices for all of us. Al-Maarej got his expensive toys by convincing others to become complicit in his crimes.”
According to records in the case, between September 2020 and December 2022, Al-Maarej represented to prospective purchasers that they could buy high value goods and keep them, while falsely claiming to the merchant company that a refund was due. Purchasers provided Al-Maarej information about their purchase (order number, name, address, value) and for a cut of the refund, Al-Maarej and his coconspirators would seek a refund by making false representations. For example, Simple Refunds would claim the item had not been delivered; was irretrievably damaged; or would have the purchaser mail a box of garbage or junk back to the company – once the package was scanned at the shipping point the refund was often issued before the box arrived back and the fraud was discovered. Al-Maarej recruited “insiders” at UPS and the US Postal Service who would input false scans into the order tracking history to make it appear items had been lost in shipping, stolen from the mail, or returned to the company.
The end goal was for the purchaser to keep the product and get their money back. The purchaser then paid Al-Maarej 15-25% of the purchase price as his fee.
Al-Maarej engaged in fraudulent refunding activity as well, on his own purchases. That conduct lasted until at least August 2023. In one instance, Al-Maarej obtained a refund for bulky tools, but he returned to the retailer an envelope filled with plastic toy frogs. One retailer identified more than $500,000 in items shipped to Al-Maarej’s home for which Al-Maarej obtained fraudulent refunds. In total, Al-Maarej made (and retailers lost) more than $1.4 million to his personal refunding activities.
The Simple Refunds channel on Telegram amassed a following of more than 1,000 subscribers. Al-Maarej used a second channel to post information on successful refunds. Al Maarej represented to some of those he recruited that the scheme was not illegal. He targeted young men in their teens and twenties and embroiled them in criminal conduct.
The indictment details how two Snohomish County residents ordered thousands of dollars of merchandise and conspired with Al-Maarej to get the payments refunded. Al-Maarej or others at his direction, impersonated the buyers, claimed the items had been “delivered not received” and got the purchase price refunded. The customers kept the items.
In May 2022, Al-Maarej deepened his fraud by offering a “mentorship” program where he would teach others to create their own refunding scams – he charged $6,000 for admission to the program. He boasted that students would “learn from the best in the game, from everything fraud related, to legit businesses and cleaning your money.”
Last summer, Al-Maarej pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud. As part of his sentence Al-Maarej was ordered to pay $4,353,819.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Amazon, Costco, and Microsoft assisted in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.
U.S. Attorney’s Office forfeits cryptocurrency and helps victims of business email compromise fraud schemeRead the Press Release
Seattle – Quick work by the U.S. Secret Service and the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office means victims of a business email compromise scheme may be made whole after losing millions of dollars through fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. In December 2023, a company involved in real estate transactions reported that their system had been compromised and fraudsters obtained more than $1 million by submitting false wire transfer instructions.
Investigation revealed that at least ten other businesses or individuals had also been victimized, in amounts ranging from $75,000 to $425,000. The fraud proceeds were laundered through multiple bank accounts, some of which were held by money mules, before being consolidated into a single cryptocurrency wallet, controlled by fraudsters in Nigeria.
Acting quickly, law enforcement seized approximately 32.68 Bitcoin, then worth about $900,000, from the fraudsters’ cryptocurrency wallet. The U.S. Attorney’s Office then filed a civil forfeiture case against the seized Bitcoin, the value of which has more than tripled since the time of seizure. Due to the rising price of Bitcoin, it is possible that each of the ten victims who have filed claims will be made whole.
“I commend the quick work by law enforcement and the Asset Forfeiture Unit who moved to seize this Bitcoin and are working diligently to make these victims whole,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Civil forfeiture is an important tool that we can use to help victims, even before the bad actors themselves have been arrested.”
Second-in-command of drug distribution organization tied to Aryan Prison Gang sentenced to 12 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 61-year-old Auburn, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to twelve years in prison for his leadership role in a multi-state drug distribution ring announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Thomas Carver has a lengthy criminal history that includes multiple prior convictions related to drug trafficking. He served as the second-in-command to drug ringleader Jesse Bailey, a high-ranking member of the Aryan Family prison gang. The two were documented in multiple wiretapped phone calls discussing their distribution of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo told Carver, “You are not a local dealer. You are someone who helped sell and distribute across the region… What is alarming are the references to these different flavored or colored pills now that are out there potentially in our streets. I do think their intent is to bring in new users…. as in younger individuals who can be easily swayed by these things.”
“The leaders of this drug ring spread so much misery throughout our area,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Mr. Carver knows first-hand the nightmare of methamphetamine addiction, and yet he routinely brought 50 pounds of the drug to our community to distribute. He also delt in large amounts of fentanyl laced pills, a drug that has brought unprecedented numbers of overdose deaths to our community.”
According to records filed in the case, over a two-year investigation of the drug trafficking ring, agents seized an estimated 223 pounds of methamphetamine, an estimated 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple-pound quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, $338,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms from members of the conspiracy. In addition, during the coordinated arrests of the DTO members in March 2023, law enforcement seized approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 pounds of fentanyl in pill and powder form, six pounds of heroin, more than $330,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 177 additional firearms. Four of those firearms were seized from the Auburn residence where Carver was arrested. Law enforcement found more than $43,000 in cash in the room where Carver slept.
On July 9,2024, Carver pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He has been in custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in March 2023.
Carver is the seventh member of the drug ring to be sentenced. Some defendants have received prison sentences of as much at 13 years in prison. Less culpable defendants have been sentenced to 20-50 months in prison. Drug ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last month and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon.
Irish brothers sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding elderly homeowners across the countryRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two brothers from Ireland were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 18 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud for their theft of more than $400,000 from a Shoreline, Washington, homeowner, and other victims across the country, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Patrick McDonagh, 35, and Matthew McDonagh, 34, were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in mid-June and were charged federally in mid-July. They pleaded guilty in September 2024. At the sentencing hearings U.S. District Judge John H. Chun called their actions, “terrible and serious criminal conduct.”
“The defendants in this case preyed on our elderly neighbors – coming into their homes and peddling lies about repairs that seemed urgent so that the homeowner would write whatever checks were needed to preserve their homes,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In Washington State last year our elderly were defrauded of some $88 million. Our elder fraud prosecutors are doing all they can to hold fraudsters accountable.”
According to records filed in the case, the brothers were part of a group that traveled the country scamming homeowners – especially the elderly – by falsely representing a home needed urgent repairs. One older homeowner in the Shoreline neighborhood north of Seattle, lost about $435,000 to the scheme.
The men first approached the victim in January 2024, claimed they were working in the neighborhood and had noticed that the victim had a hole in his roof. The men offered to fix the hole and remove the moss from the roof. Over the course of a few days, they pressured the victim to write them checks for their “services” of $15,000, $20,000, and $26,000. They also claimed that the victim’s foundation was cracked, and they said they would repair that with a “titanium tie rod system.”
The roof had no hole, and the foundation was not failing. However, the men dug trenches and poured some concrete to make it appear work was done, and each day they pressured the victim to write more checks. They even demanded an extra $20,000 for “taxes.” Ultimately, they demanded the victim wire $200,000 to a third party for building supplies – again far in excess of any work they claimed to have done. In all the brothers stole $435,000 from the victim. Quick work by a Shoreline Detective and the King County Prosecutor’s Office resulted in the recovery of the wired funds.
The FBI investigation connected the brothers to contractor fraud complaints in Oregon and Illinois. In Oregon, Patrick McDonagh represented to three different victims that he was affiliated with a local legitimate construction firm, when in fact he was not. Those homeowners paid as much as $29,000 for foundation work that was never completed as promised. In Illinois, Matthew McDonagh claimed he would repave a victim’s driveway and rebuild a retaining wall for $99,000. After the victim paid $75,000, the work was poorly done and damaged the victim’s house. The value of any work done was significantly less than what was paid.
The defendants have agreed to make restitution to the victims in the case. This includes $235,000 to the Shoreline victim, nearly $50,000 to the three victims in Oregon, $75,000 to a victim in Illinois, and more than $673,000 to a victim in Bellevue, Washington.
Speaking in court today, the Shoreline, Washington victim said, “They were aggressive, relentless in their pursuit of more and more money. They preyed on my trust and my faith…. I feel ashamed, frustrated, and betrayed and now I don’t trust others.”
The FBI is investigating this case and was assisted by the Shoreline Police Department, and the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine and Spokane Sector’s Anti-Smuggling Units (ASU).
The FBI reminds the public of red flags for contractor fraud:
- The contractor knocks on your door looking for business because they are “in the area” and uses aggressive sales tactics.
- The contractor pressures you for an immediate hiring decision.
- The contractor accepts only cash as payment and demands full payment before starting any work.
- In the sales pitch, the contractor claims to have materials left over from a previous job.
Tips to avoid contractor fraud:
- Always get multiple estimates for any work you want done.
- Ensure contractors are licensed and insured. Look them up at Washington State’s Department of Labor & Industries website at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
- Check with consumer protection agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and Federal Trade Commission to search for complaints against a contractor.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar. Ms. Staniar serves as the Criminal Elder Fraud Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
Drug trafficker, with two prior convictions, sentenced to more than 5 years in prison for distributing cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroinRead the Press Release
Seattle – A Mexican national, who has twice been convicted of drug trafficking, was sentenced for his third conviction to 70 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Francisco Capado-Gonzales, 39, has been in custody since his arrest in SeaTac, Washington, on October 19, 2023. Judge Kymberly K. Evanson imposed the 70-month sentence emphasizing the large amount of drugs in the case.
According to records filed in the case, in the fall of 2023, Capado-Gonzalez approached someone he believed would be a drug customer, who was actually a person working with law enforcement. Capado-Gonzalez and his co-conspirators claimed they could provide pound quantities of methamphetamine. On October 19, 2023, the person working with law enforcement was scheduled to pick up the drugs at a SeaTac motel. Instead, law enforcement arrived at the room. Capado-Gonzalez attempted to flee into a wooded area near the hotel but was arrested.
Capado-Gonzales was indicted by the grand jury on November 1, 2023. He pleaded guilty on September 6, 2024. This is Capado-Gonzalez third conviction for drug offenses. He was arrested and convicted in Las Vegas in 2007 with heroin and cocaine. In 2013 he was arrested and convicted a second time while possessing heroin and methamphetamine. He served a 41-month sentence.
In asking for an 84-month sentence, prosecutors emphasized that methamphetamine is present in many drug overdoses, writing to the court, “In 2023, 58% of all overdose deaths in King County involved methamphetamine.And here, Capado-Gonzalez had a leadership role in a conspiracy to distribute at least 44 pounds of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine, as well as 542 grams of a mixture or substance containing heroin and 591 grams of a mixture or substance containing cocaine. Such quantities pose an increased danger to the community and warrant a heavier sentence...”
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda McDowell and Michael Harder.
Seattle man pleads guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft for schemes to steal from employer, disaster relief program, and former significant otherRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 31-year-old Seattle man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft for three different fraud schemes between 2019 and 2022, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Westcott Francis-Curley has been in custody since March 2024, following his indictment in August 2023. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez scheduled sentencing for March 21, 2025.
The schemes began in 2019, when Francis-Curley embezzled money from his then-employer by misusing cloud computing resources and accounts available to him as an employee. Francis-Curley used employer bank accounts and his employee work authorizations to purchase cloud computing resources, then sell them back to the company—paying himself with company money—at many times their market value. Through this scheme he obtained more than $550,000, and he was caught while attempting to obtain another half-million dollars. He spent significant portions of the proceeds on extravagances, such as private jets.
In 2020, Francis-Curley defrauded the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID assistance program designed to help small businesses and their employees weather the pandemic. Francis-Curley filed paperwork claiming that two companies he controlled had large payrolls that qualified for assistance, when in fact they had no operations, had no payroll, and did not qualify for relief. He obtained nearly $100,000 and spent much of it on personal goods and services.
Finally, in October 2022, Francis-Curley applied for and obtained a credit card in the name of his former significant other. Francis-Curley used the card for more than $1,000 in personal expenditures.
For the totality of that conduct, prosecutors and Francis-Curley’s attorneys will recommend a three-year prison term. Judge Martinez is not bound by the recommendation and can impose any sentence allowed by law. Francis-Curley has agreed to pay restitution to his former employer, to the Small Business Administration, and to the person whose identity he used to obtain the credit card.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Wire fraud in connection with a national disaster is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by a mandatory two years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David T. Martin.
Repeat offender who was involved in a gun battle on Seattle’s Capitol Hill sentenced to 16 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 50-year-old repeat offender was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 16 years in prison for possessing firearms while distributing drugs and violating his conditions of supervision from prior convictions, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Ruchell Gilbert was on supervised release for a 2012 conviction for illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking, when he became involved in a shoot-out in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. One woman died after being hit by gunfire. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez said, “A young woman died that night from a gun battle on Capitol Hill. That is exactly the kind of danger that occurs when you have people dealing drugs while armed with firearms.”
“This case is a stark reminder of why it is illegal for felons to possess firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In this case Mr. Gilbert got into an argument about a blocking parked car and reached for his gun with tragic consequences. The death of 20-year-old Essence Greene Madden has devastated her family and loved ones, and robbed the community of someone who was focused on doing good in the world.”
According to records filed in the case, Gilbert had been released from prison and began his term of supervised release on May 30, 2022. Barely a year later, in July 2023, an unruly crowd gathered on Capitol Hill for a street racing event and Gilbert is seen driving a car which was ultimately blocked by another vehicle. Gilbert is seen getting out and getting into some kind of argument with those in the blocking car. On surveillance video from a nearby business it appears that Gilbert pulls up his shirt to flash a gun in his waistband. After returning to the car one of the people Gilbert confronted starts firing at his vehicle. Gilbert pulls his gun and fires back in a volley of at least four shots. One of the shots appears to hit a bystander in the head. Essence Greene Madden died at Harborview Medical Center.
Gilbert drove from the scene and later is taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of a gunshot wound. When federal probation officers learned Gilbert had been involved in the shootout, they got a warrant for his arrest and to search his vehicle. In Gilbert’s truck they found distribution quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, cocaine, and marijuana as well as a loaded firearm. However, the firearm he used in the shoot-out has never been found.
On March 14, 2024, Gilbert pleaded guilty to Possession of Controlled Substances with Intent to Distribute and Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime.
Today in court Essence Greene Madden’s father, Eldon Madden, said, “The decision that Mr. Gilbert made, changed the lives of our family, friends, and community…. (my daughter) was stripped of her life due to acts of anger – anger is what drove this incident…. My child did not deserve to die in the manner that she died in, she was on her way to being a productive, loving, caring, person who helped preserve life not take it away. That’s why she chose to work in the medical field.”
In asking for a 192-month sentence, prosecutors noted Gilbert’s lengthy history of violent crimes and his unwillingness to change even with court supervision. “Mr. Gilbert appeared to be doing well on supervision, but in reality, it was an act. In retrospect, it is clear that Mr. Gilbert continued to deal drugs and continued to carry firearms – firearms he was more than willing to use if he felt himself provoked,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo.
Judge Martinez imposed five years of supervised release to follow the prison term.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and U.S. Probation Office.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi.
Texas woman indicted for arson that destroyed Snohomish County, Washington churchRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 38-year-old Temple, Texas, woman was indicted this week by a federal grand jury for three felonies related to the arson at Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County, Washington, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Natasha Marie Odell has been in custody since her arrest in Texas in August 2024. She is currently detained at the Snohomish County Jail. Odell will be transferred to federal custody and is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on December 16, 2024.
According to records filed in state court and the federal indictment, Odell was linked via cell phone records, credit card records and surveillance video to the fire that destroyed the Maltby, Washington, church on August 25, 2023. Travel records indicate that over the time period of the fire, Odell was visiting relatives in Woodinville, Washington.
Even though the church was destroyed, part of the security system video surveillance survived the fire and depicted a woman who appears to match Odell, moving around the church with a container usually used to transport gasoline. In the video the person empties the container on the exterior walls of the church and items around the church. The person moves out of camera range and fire is seen growing on the areas where the person poured gasoline. Ultimately the video system stops functioning due to the fire.
The investigation tied Odell to credit card purchases at an area service station when she purchased just over a gallon of gasoline in a container and some lighters.
The fire did more than $2.5 million in damage to the church.
Odell is charged with Damage to Religious Property, Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs, and Use of Fire to commit another Felony Offense.
Damage to Religious Property, and Obstruction of Persons in the Free Exercise of Religious Beliefs is punishable by up to 40 years in prison. Use of Fire to commit another Felony Offense is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Snohomish County Fire Marshall’s Office and the Bureau of Tobacco, Alcohol, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
odell_indictment_filed.pdfDrug trafficker who assisted stepson with trafficking ring tied to Aryan prison gangs sentenced to over six years in prisonRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 66-year-old Tacoma man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 75 months in prison for his leadership role in a drug distribution ring tied to the white supremacist Aryan Family prison gang, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Ronnie Griffin is the stepfather of drug ring leader Jesse Bailey. The two were documented in multiple wiretapped phone calls discussing their distribution of dozens of pounds of methamphetamine and thousands of fentanyl pills. Griffin acted as a redistributor and confidant for Bailey and is documented as a member of the Peckerwoods prison gang. At the sentencing hearing Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo told Griffin, “You have a terrible history, there’s no doubt about it.”
According to records filed in the case, over a two-year investigation of the drug trafficking ring, agents seized an estimated 223 pounds of methamphetamine, an estimated 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple-pound quantities of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, $338,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms from members of the conspiracy. In addition, during the coordinated arrests of the DTO members in March 2023, law enforcement seized approximately 22 pounds of methamphetamine, 26 pounds of fentanyl in pill and powder form, six pounds of heroin, more than $330,000 of suspected drug proceeds, and 177 additional firearms. Two of those firearms were seized from Griffin. They were found hidden in a toilet at his residence.
Asking for a ten-year sentence, prosecutors noted that Griffin has been in and out of prison most of his adult life, but shorter sentences do not seem to have deterred his criminal conduct. “This history includes convictions for theft, obstructing a public servant, possession of stolen property, forgery, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia, attempting to elude police vehicles, unlawful possession of a weapon, identity theft, harassment, and fourth degree assault,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo. In imposing the sentence, Judge Estudillo told Griffin, “You’ve been in front of a judge on many occasions…. I’m sure they’ve offered you assistance of some sort…. It is kind of scary someone in their 50’s doing something someone in their 30’s would do, like running from law enforcement.”
On August 1, 2024, Griffin pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He has been in custody at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in March 2023.
Griffin is the sixth member of the drug ring to be sentenced. Some defendants have received prison sentences of as much at 13 years in prison. Less culpable defendants have been sentenced to 20-50 months in prison. Drug ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last month and is scheduled for sentencing on February 28, 2025.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon.
DOJ Byrne Grants to Washington State Police Departments pay for a variety of crime fighting toolsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Some 13 different law enforcement entities are receiving more than $2.6 million in federal Byrne grants to pay for a wide variety of law enforcement programs, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The projects are proposed by each jurisdiction and DOJ’s Bureau of Justice Assistance evaluates them and determines funding.
“The proposals being funded this cycle range from high tech items for officer safety such as drones, robots and ballistic vests, to officer recruitment programs and school resource officers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “There is even a grant for something called “The Grappler” which assists officers with safely stopping a fleeing vehicle in a high-speed chase.”
The Seattle Police Department received two large grants – the biggest, $750,012 is for Seattle and surrounding jurisdictions using the city as the fiscal agent. The grant is for Seattle and its suburbs to use for a variety of programs that reduce crime. The programs can be for law enforcement training and overtime, for victim services and community-based programs.
The second large grant to Seattle supports innovation in the 9-1-1 dispatch system. SPD is partnering with the National Policing Institute to implement and evaluate the Intelligent Risk Management system (IRM) for emergency calls. The system is used to evaluate calls to see if alternative dispatch, such as mental health specialists is appropriate. The program will undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. Seattle hopes the program can improve police capacity and enhance public trust. The system will also be evaluated for replication in other jurisdictions across the country.
These are the other police departments receiving grants:
- Tacoma & Pierce County - $339,235 – for support of youth violence reduction strategies and a sex offender records management system.
- Snohomish County - $448,000 to support use of Rapid DNA system for use in solving crimes and identifying victims of crime or natural disasters.
- Clark County and Vancouver - $121,258 – the two law enforcement agencies will share the funds and enhance public safety with equipment purchases.
- Bellingham - $40,170 – the funds support adding more bicycle officers, and de-escalation equipment as well as ensuring each officer has a ballistic vest.
- Kitsap County - $39,423 to purchase ballistic vests capable of deflecting high caliber rifle shots.
- Lakewood - $39,064 – for the purchase of a tactical robot to allow officers to evaluate a situation without putting officers in harm’s way.
- Everett - $34,720 – to enhance recruitment efforts for qualified law enforcement officers using various digital strategies. Reducing the officer vacancies from 28 down to less than 5.
- Thurston County -$19,809 – for purchase of two “Grappler Police Bumper Pursuit” technology systems – a net and tether system used to safely stop a vehicle in a car chase.
- Bremerton - $14,524 – for crime prevention strategies in its downtown core.
- Marysville - $11,426 – for an Unmanned Aerial System (drone) for flyovers during warrant service or other law enforcement purposes involving threats, missing persons, barricaded subjects or hostage situations.
- Lynnwood - $10,209 – equipment purchases for officer safety.
- Longview -$10,098 – to continue the school resource officer program in Longview and Cowlitz County.
The Byrne Grants are named in honor of New York City Police Officer Edward R. Byrne, who was killed in the line of duty on February 26, 1988. Officer Byrne was just 22 years old.
Seattle Police Department awarded $1.5 million to enhance testing of rape kits to reduce backlog and pursue “cold cases”Read the Press Release
Seattle – The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded the Seattle Police Department $1.5 million to support continued investigation and testing of evidence in sexual assault cases, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
“This critical support is designed to move cases forward and support crime survivors as they heal,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These funds will support the use of strategies such as genetic genealogy to try to solve cold cases and hold offenders accountable.”
The grant supports the formation of multidisciplinary teams at SPD including prosecutors, victim advocates and service providers. SPD will institute a case management system for tracking and managing investigations and victim services. Advanced DNA testing methodologies and forensic genetic genealogy will be used to move cases forward, especially cold cases. The grant will also support victim-centered notifications and trauma-informed support services, ensuring survivors receive timely and sensitive updates.
Chinese citizen pleads guilty to kidnapping in case linked to human smugglingRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 33-year-old citizen of China, who was residing in Los Angeles, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Ji Wang was arrested on May 13, 2024, in the Los Angeles area. Wang was identified as one of the kidnappers linked to the May 27, 2023, abduction and assault of a worker at a hot pot restaurant in Bellevue, Washington. U.S. District Judge James L. Robart scheduled sentencing for March 4, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, Ji Wang was involved with a ring smuggling people across the southern border into the U.S. for a fee. The victim referred people from China who wanted to cross into the U.S., for the smuggling services. The victim was supposed to collect and transfer smuggling fees from those who used the smuggling services. The victim did not collect as high a fee as the smuggling group anticipated. Wang and a co-schemer traveled to Bellevue in May and physically removed the victim from his work and forced him into a sedan.
The men beat the victim and smashed his face into the cement and dragged him down a set of stairs. Witnesses quickly alerted Bellevue Police. Officers worked with the victim’s girlfriend who placed a video call to the victim’s cellphone. Wang answered the call and showed his face. Police recorded the call and were able to identify Wang.
Wang and his associate dropped the victim at a service station in Bellevue. The victim was critically injured and needed emergency surgery for swelling of the brain. He spent weeks in Overlake hospital. He has lasting physical and cognitive damage from the assault.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors will cap their recommended sentence at eight years in prison. The actual sentence is up to Judge Robart and can be any sentence allowed by law. Kidnapping is punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison. Wang was not legally present in the United States and may be deported following his prison term.
The case was investigated by the Bellevue Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the U.S. Marshal’s Service Task Force.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Greenberg and Cecelia Gregson.
Kent, Washington man sentenced to three years in prison for illegally purchasing and trafficking more than 130 firearmsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A South King County man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to three years in prison for his purchase of more than 130 firearms in a “straw purchaser” scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Dion Jamar Cooper, 33, of Kent, Washington was arrested in April 2023, following an investigation by Seattle Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez asked Cooper, “Do you understand the damage that has been done in the community?... If people engage in straw purchasing and distribute the firearms in our community, or any community, there will be a serious consequence that follows.”
“Even as Mr. Cooper has awaited sentencing, we are finding additional crime guns linked to his straw purchasing activity,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Fifty-four of the guns Mr. Cooper purchased have been recovered and connected to crimes such as armed robberies; two bank robberies; several carjackings and assaults; numerous drive-by shootings; numerous other shots-fired incidents; and at least one homicide.”
According to records in the case, the investigation began in late January 2023, with the assault and attempted robbery of a woman in Rainier Valley. The victim was able to flee in her car. Police found a firearm in her vehicle that had been dropped by one of the assailants. A check of the firearm revealed it had been purchased by Dion Jamar Cooper on December 10, 2022. That recovery led the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) to check Cooper’s purchase history. Cooper had purchased 107 firearms since June 2021. Further investigation put the number of guns purchased at 133. Meaning more than 70 guns are still out in the community likely possessed by those who are legally prohibited from having firearms.
During March and April 2023, agents surveilled Cooper as he made arrangements to purchase additional firearms. Agents identified De’ondre Lamontia Phillips, 33 of Federal Way, Washington, as the person who drove Cooper to the gun shops where he purchased the firearms. Phillips is prohibited from purchasing and possessing firearms due to convictions for distribution of heroin (2014) and convictions for illegal firearms possession and two counts of assault (2009). Surveillance of the two revealed Cooper turning the firearms over to Phillips who stored them in his residence. Last month Phillips was sentenced to seven years in prison.
In February 2024, Cooper pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false statement in connection with the acquisition of firearms, one count of straw purchasing firearms and one count of trafficking in firearms.
In asking for a sentence at the top of the guidelines range, Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg noted that Cooper was the “largest known straw purchaser of firearms in the history of the Western District of Washington…. According to the ATF analysis, all of the… crime guns were recovered from persons who were legally prohibited from possessing firearms, either because they were convicted felons and/or were underage juveniles. This is not surprising, given the nature of straw purchasing offenses…. Notably, several of the recovered crime guns had very short “time-to-crime” periods (the amount of time between the firearm purchase and its recovery at a crime scene). These recovery periods included some as short as two days and others of six days, seven days, and eight days. This reflects that Cooper was purchasing firearms and turning them over to people who nearly immediately used them to commit violent crimes.”
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and the Seattle Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
Department of Justice awards nearly $975,000 for youth suicide prevention in Pacific CountyRead the Press Release
Seattle – The Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has awarded almost $975,000 to Pacific County organizations to execute a comprehensive youth suicide prevention project.
“Tragically, Pacific County has the tenth highest suicide rate in the state,” said U.S. Attorney, Tessa M. Gorman. “Those working with youth in Pacific County have crafted this project to try to combat youth suicide and build community resilience. The Department of Justice supports these efforts with the hope that other communities can learn from these programs.”
Pacific County Public Health & Human Services (PCHHS), in collaboration with WestEd’s Justice and Prevention Research Center (JPRC), aim to specifically address the high rates of suicidal ideation and attempt among 8th – 12th graders in Pacific County. This project will deliver suicide awareness and prevention training in academic settings, establish a trauma response protocol, conduct comprehensive evaluation of current suicide prevention policies and procedures, and ultimately implement sustainable resilience-building activities in the community.
The recipients of the award will utilize a series of evidence-based programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills to identify and effectively respond to signs of mental health struggle and suicidal ideation. By providing a comprehensive education of suicide prevention strategies for young people, this project intends to create a safer and more supportive environment long-term for the youth of Pacific County.
DOJ sends nearly $12 million to Washington State for drug treatment programsRead the Press Release
Seattle – Nearly $12 million is headed to Washington State from the Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to support drug treatment programs statewide, in specific counties, and tribal communities, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
“These DOJ grants recognize the need for treatment in our state, and also highlight the good work being done here to break the cycle of addiction,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “It is a competitive process to get this funding and I congratulate the counties, tribes and organizations who successfully applied for these grants.”
The largest award, $7 million, is to the Washington State Health Care Authority to bolster and support substance use treatment programs in the community as well as in state jails and correctional institutions. The grant also pays for opioid overdose training for law enforcement and a peer mentoring program for those leaving prison with substance use disorder.
Pierce County was awarded $1.6 million to improve substance abuse treatment options in rural areas. The program will focus on justice involved adults. The results will be studied for best practices.
Grays Harbor County was awarded $1 million to enhance the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) treatment available in the Grays Harbor County Jail. With these additional grant funds, the county will provide mental health as well as substance use disorder treatment and will work with the Coastal Community Action Program to make services available to those transitioning from jail and prison to the community.
The private non-profit Progress House Association was awarded $833,000 to enhance treatment and recovery services for 170 people across King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston Counties who are currently incarcerated. The funding will enhance treatment for substance use disorder as well as co-occurring mental health disorders.
Finally, two tribal nations were awarded grants for their substance use and mental health treatment programs.
The Tulalip Tribes of Washington was awarded $718,151 to expand the Tulalip Tribes Family Wellness Court. The money will provide for a dedicated Social Worker and Recovery Support specialist to provide services directly to families impacted by substance abuse disorder. The goal is to reunify families and reduce the number of children in long-term out of home care.
The Lummi Nation received $550,000 to implement a Mental Health Court for tribal citizens impacted by both mental health challenges and substance use disorder. The program is designed to enhance treatment support with integrated treatment plans.
King County man charged for possession of destructive device that shut down Interstate 90 at Mercer IslandRead the Press Release
Seattle – a 42-year-old King County resident appeared in federal court yesterday, charged by criminal complaint with unlawful possession of a destructive device, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Sokphana Soeung was arrested October 12, 2024, following a slow speed chase and confrontation with law enforcement. Soeung remains detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac pending additional hearings.
According to the criminal complaint, Bellevue Police responded to Enatai Beach Park around noon on October 12, 2024, because of reports of two men sleeping in a car with the motor running. When contacted by police, Soeung drove away, running over spike strips that punctured all four tires on the car. Law enforcement followed and Washington State Patrol (WSP) joined the slow speed chase when the car pulled onto Interstate 90 in the westbound direction.
While on Mercer Island, a WSP trooper executed a maneuver to stop the car. At that point, Soeung jumped from the car holding a black ball device in one hand and a lighter in the other. Ultimately, police tackled Soeung, and he dropped the ball shaped item and the lighter. An investigation revealed that the ball shaped item was a tennis ball filled with explosive powder with a fuse. In the car law enforcement found a second explosive device made with sparklers taped together.
The investigation shut down I-90 for a lengthy period while the bomb squad determined there was no danger to the public or the I-90 bridge.
The second person in the car had jumped out ahead of Soeung and was detained and questioned and claimed to have no knowledge of the explosives.
Soeung has been in state custody since his arrest.
Unlawful possession of a destructive device is punishable by up to ten years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Bellevue Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Y. Gregson.
Federal Way man indicted for kidnappingRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 24-year-old Federal Way, Washington man will appear in U.S. District Court in Seattle today following his indictment for kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Daniel Lopez was indicted by the grand jury on November 6, 2024. Lopez was arrested in Texas and has been in state custody on charges originally filed in King County Superior Court. Lopez is indicted for the October 13, 2024, kidnapping of an Auburn, Washington woman. The woman was abducted at gunpoint from her home and ultimately was found safe in Guatemala.
According to records filed in the case, the woman’s husband reported her missing on October 14, 2024, after arriving home and finding her belongings at their apartment. Two witnesses reported seeing the woman leaving with two men, one of whom was carrying a firearm. This man was subsequently identified as Lopez. Lopez was initially identified based on surveillance video from across the street showing vehicles in the apartment complex parking lot. Officers then reviewed traffic camera pictures to obtain license plate information and ultimately determined Lopez was a registered owner of one of the vehicles.
Lopez was ultimately traced to Houston, Texas and was arrested on October 19, 2024, at a hotel.
The victim was identified by immigration authorities in southern Mexico and was transported to Guatemala where she has family members.
Law enforcement is working to determine any other coconspirators in the kidnapping scheme.
Kidnapping is punishable by up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Auburn Police Department and the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
DOJ and U.S. Health and Human Services settle claims that MultiCare Health System violated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)Read the Press Release
Seattle – MultiCare Health Systems of Washington will change procedures and set aside more than $2 million to compensate patients whose civil rights were violated by a failure to provide appropriate interpreter services, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. An investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) revealed that two patients, who are deaf-blind, failed to receive appropriate interpreter services both before and after surgery. The two patients will each receive $100,000. The family members of each patient who were forced to become interpreters in these stressful situations are each being compensated with $40,000.
“This settlement with MultiCare not only compensates those whose rights were violated, it also ensures better care in the future for patients who are deaf and deaf-blind,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “MultiCare is designating a point person who will be responsible for providing appropriate assistive devices and ensuring the health system has resources, including three interpreter firms, who can be called on to ensure effective communication with all patients.”
Under the terms of the settlement, MultiCare will provide training to employees about assessing and meeting the communication needs of patients who are deaf or deaf-blind. The settlement calls for MultiCare to put information on its website and in its handbook about interpreter services for those who are deaf or deaf-blind. The detailed agreement will be in place for three years and requires reporting every four months to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and HHS about requests for assistive devices or interpreters and how those needs were met.
This investigation began in 2020 when the U.S. Attorney’s office received a complaint that a patient who is deaf-blind, failed to receive appropriate communication assistance at multiple appointments both before and after surgery. MultiCare had the patient’s spouse who is deaf and visually impaired act as an interpreter – something she was not qualified or prepared to do. While that investigation was underway, a second deaf-blind patient reported that his rights were also violated when MultiCare failed to provide appropriate communication aids both before and after his surgery. That patient’s son had to act as an interpreter, something he too was not trained to do.
While not admitting fault, MultiCare acknowledges that there may be additional patients whose rights under the ADA were violated. MultiCare will establish a fund of $2 million and will seek to identify any patients who failed to receive appropriate interpreter services. Under the terms of the settlement, MultiCare will establish a third-party claims administrator to allocate the settlement funds based on the harm suffered by each complainant. The administrator will work with MultiCare records to locate claimants. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will review the allocations after the claims have been submitted and reviewed.
In addition to the settlements to claimants, MultiCare will pay $95,000 to the U.S. Attorney’s office.
This is the 8th settlement in the last eight years regarding failure to provide appropriate interpreter services in the health care setting. The U.S. Attorney’s Office investigated and resolved complaints against PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington, University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest (UWMC-NW) in Seattle, and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington (KFHPW) among others.
The matter was investigated, and the settlement was negotiated, by Assistant United States Attorneys Susan Kas and Matt Waldrop. AUSA Kas serves as the Civil Rights Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
You can learn more about our Civil Rights work here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/civil-rights
New Jersey man pleads guilty to nationwide conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act by remotely disabling pollution control devices on diesel trucksRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A 44-year-old Columbia, New Jersey man pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act for his scheme to interfere with pollution control software on diesel trucks, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jonathan Achtemeier admitted that between 2019 and 2022, he removed the pollution control software on hundreds of vehicles nationwide. U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright scheduled sentencing for February 14, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, Achtemeier conspired with mechanics in garages and operators of truck fleets to disable the anti-pollution software installed on diesel trucks. Coconspirators who wanted to disable their trucks’ pollution control hardware system—a process commonly known as “deleting”—sought Achtemeier’s help to trick the truck’s software into believing the emissions control systems were still functional, a process known as “tuning.” Monitoring software on a deleted truck will detect that the pollution control hardware is not functioning and will prevent the truck from running. Achtemeier disabled the monitoring software on his client’s trucks by connecting to laptops he had provided to various coconspirators. Some of the coconspirators would pass the laptop on to others seeking to have the anti-pollution software disabled on their trucks. Once the laptop was hooked up to the truck’s onboard computer, Achtemeier could access it from his computer and tune the software designed to slow the truck if the pollution control device was missing or malfunctioning. Achtemeier could “tune” trucks remotely, which enabled him to maximize his environmental impact and personal profit.
Removing the pollution control equipment and disabling the software results in trucks polluting at 30 to 1,200 times the level of a truck with pollution control systems. Tampering with pollution control software is a violation of the Clean Air Act.
Achtemeier charged as much at $4,500 per truck for work that often took him two hours or less. Achtemeier advertised his services on social media nationwide, doing business as Voided Warranty Tuning (VWT) or Optimized Ag. Between 2019 and 2022 his company took in more than $4.3 million in gross profits.
The coconspirators in this case have service garages or truck fleets in various areas of Washington State. The trucks that were altered range from pick-ups such as a Dodge R3500 to Kenworth and Freightliner semi-trucks.
Conspiracy is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency Criminal Investigation Division (EPA-CID).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar, Dane Westermeyer, and Seth Wilkinson, with Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Perrin. Ms. Perrin is an attorney with the EPA.
Couple who led drug trafficking conspiracy connected to Aryan prison gang plead guiltyRead the Press Release
Seattle – Two leaders of a drug trafficking organization connected to the Aryan Family prison gang pleaded guilty to drug trafficking, money laundering, and firearms related charges today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jesse James Bailey, 40, and his wife, Candace Bailey, 42, are scheduled for sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo on February 28, 2025.
Jesse Bailey pleaded guilty to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute in a quantity that triggers a ten-year mandatory minimum sentence. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which adds a mandatory five-year term to his prison sentence. Bailey also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder money. Prosecutors and the defense have agreed to recommend a sentence of 210 months in prison.
Candace Bailey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, illegally transferring a firearm to a prohibited person, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than ten years in prison for Candace Bailey. Chief Judge Estudillo is not bound by the recommendations and can impose any sentence allowed by law.
On Wednesday March 22, 2023, the FBI led a coordinated takedown of this criminal drug trafficking organization. They arrested two dozen people, including the Baileys. On that day law enforcement seized 177 firearms, more than ten kilograms of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills and more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from eighteen locations in Washington and Arizona.
The Baileys are forfeiting $699,268 seized from them as proceeds of criminal activity as well as 42 firearms, silencers, body armor, ammunition, scopes, and tripods seized from various storage lockers and their residence. They are also forfeiting dozens of pieces of jewelry as proceeds of their criminal conduct.
In their plea agreements, the Baileys admitted to their drug trafficking conduct. The plea agreements describe how the couple discussed various suppliers of illegal narcotics and the pricing. They discussed drug buyers as well. Due to his criminal history, Jesse Bailey was prohibited from possessing firearms, and Candace Bailey admitted she transferred firearms to Jesse Bailey knowing he was a previously convicted felon. Finally, the Baileys admitted in their plea agreements how the couple sought to launder their drug proceeds through various casinos and bank accounts.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This investigation was led by the FBI with critical investigative teamwork from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and significant local assistance from the Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, and the Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout this investigation the following agencies assisted the primary investigators: Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, Lakewood Police Department, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon and Max Shiner.
Thurston County man caught twice with drugs and firearms sentenced to 7 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 53-year-old resident of Rochester, Washington was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 7 years in prison for two federal felonies related to his armed drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Waylan Graves was arrested twice in a four-month period in 2023, each time with distribution amounts of dangerous drugs and loaded firearms.
On June 1, 2023, Graves was arrested by officers with the Thurston County Narcotics Enforcement Team. Law enforcement served a judicially authorized search warrant on Graves’ home and car. In the home they found fentanyl pills, two firearms (one of them loaded) and nearly $5,000 in cash. In Graves’ car they found a third loaded firearm as well as fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin. In the car was more than $10,000 in cash.
Graves was charged with drug and gun crimes in Thurston County Superior Court. He was released on bail. Less than four months later he was arrested a second time for drug trafficking.
On September 20, 2023, Graves was arrested with fentanyl pills, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in his car. A loaded semi-automatic pistol was in the void under the center console. Investigations also seized a scale and more than $3,000 cash – proceeds from Graves’ drug dealing.
Graves was indicted federally in October 2023 for possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Graves pleaded guilty to these crimes in July 2024.
Prosecutors asked for a seven-year sentence, noting the harm fentanyl in particular has been causing in our community writing, “The drugs that Mr. Graves was distributing have been causing irreparable harm to the community. As the Court is well aware, the influx of fentanyl has left a wake of destruction in the community. In King County alone, there have been 839 overdose deaths as of November 6, 2024, with 624 of those deaths involving fentanyl.”
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Puyallup Police Department, Thurston County Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Casey S. Conzatti and Stephen Hobbs.
California Teenager Pleads Guilty in Florida to Making Hundreds of ‘Swatting’ Calls Across the United StatesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Alan W. Filion, 18, of Lancaster, California, pleaded guilty today to four counts of making interstate threats to injure the person of another. Filion faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
“This prosecution and today’s guilty plea reaffirm the Justice Department’s commitment to using all tools to hold accountable every individual who endangers our communities through swatting and hoax threats,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “For well over a year, Alan Filion targeted religious institutions, schools, government officials, and other innocent victims with hundreds of false threats of imminent mass shootings, bombings and other violent crimes. He caused profound fear and chaos and will now face the consequences of his actions.”
“Alan Filion not only intended to cause as much harm as possible, but he also attempted to profit from these criminal activities by offering swatting-for-a-fee services,” said FBI Deputy Director Paul Abbate. “Swatting poses severe danger to first responders and victims, wastes significant time and resources, and creates fear in communities. The FBI will continue to work with partners to aggressively investigate and hold accountable anyone who engages in these activities."
According to the plea agreement, from approximately August 2022 to January 2024, Filion made more than 375 swatting and threat calls, including calls in which he claimed to have planted bombs in the targeted locations or threatened to detonate bombs and/or conduct mass shootings at those locations. He targeted religious institutions, high schools, colleges and universities, government officials, and numerous individuals across the United States. Filion was 16 at the time he placed the majority of the calls.
Filion intended for his calls to cause large-scale deployment of police and emergency-services units to the targeted locations. During these calls, he provided information to law enforcement and emergency services agencies that he knew to be false, such as false names, false claims that he and others had placed explosives in particular locations, false claims that he and others possessed dangerous weapons, including firearms and explosives, and false claims that he and/or other individuals had committed, or intended to imminently commit, violent crimes.
During the time that dispatchers spent on the phone with Filion, they were unavailable to respond to other emergencies. Additionally, in response to many of his calls, armed law enforcement officers were dispatched to the targeted addresses, and likewise were made unavailable to respond to other emergencies. In some instances, armed law enforcement officers approached and entered targeted residences with their weapons drawn and detained individuals who occupied the residences. In a post on Jan. 20, 2023, Filion claimed that when he swats someone, he “usually get[s] the cops to drag the victim and their families out of the house, cuff them and search the house for dead bodies.”
According to court documents, Filion became a serial swatter for both profit and recreation. He claimed in a Jan. 19, 2023, online post that his “first” swatting was like “2 to 3 years ago” and that “6-9 months ago [he] decided to turn it into a business. . .” On several occasions, Filion placed posts on social-media channels advertising his services and swatting-for-a-fee structure.
On Jan. 18, Filion, then 17-years-old, was arrested in California on Florida state charges arising from a May 2023 threat he made to a religious institution in Sanford, Florida. In that threat, he claimed to have an illegally modified AR-15, a Glock 17 pistol, pipe bombs, and Molotov cocktails. He said that he was going to imminently “commit a mass shooting” and “kill everyone” he saw. Filion pleaded guilty today in federal court to making that threat.
Filion’s federal charges were brought under the Federal Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention Act (JDA). As noted in the criminal information filed on Oct. 21, Filion was 17 when the instant charges were filed against him. Filion has remained in custody since his arrest on state charges in January.
Filion also pleaded guilty to making three other threatening calls – an October 2022 call to a public high school in the Western District of Washington, in which he threatened to commit a mass shooting and claimed to have planted bombs throughout the school; a May 2023 call to a Historically Black College & University in the Northern District of Florida, in which he claimed to have placed bombs in the walls and ceilings of campus housing that would detonate in about an hour; and a July 2023 call to a local police-department dispatch number in the Western District of Texas, in which he falsely identified himself as a senior federal law enforcement officer, provided the officer’s residential address to the dispatcher, claimed to have killed his (federal officer’s) mother, and threatened to kill any responding police officers.
The FBI and U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cherie L. Krigsman and Kara Wick for the Middle District of Florida and Trial Attorney Jacob Warren of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorneys Offices for the Western District of Washington, the Northern District of Florida, the Western District of Texas, and the District of Columbia provided valuable assistance.
Kirkland, Washington, contractor sentenced to prison for defrauding more than two dozen customersRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 59-year-old Kirkland, Washington, home remodeling contractor was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to four years in prison for wire fraud for his scheme to steal approximately $4 million from customers using fake invoices, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Joseph D. Bergevin pleaded guilty in July 2024, admitting that he forged invoices to steal money from at least 24 customers who had hired him for their remodeling projects. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Jamal N. Whitehead spoke of the victims saying, “You stole their futures, you stole their hope, you stole their momentum for success… you created the kind of stress that you can’t run from, the stress that wakes you up at night. It was not just one lapse in judgement, it was hundreds of lapses over the years.”
“This defendant stole from friends, members of his church, the elderly, and people in his children’s school community,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The betrayal of those who trusted him deserves a significant sentence. Sadly, the dozens of victims of his deceit can never replace the time lost, and the anguish suffered from his illegal actions.”
According to the plea agreement, between 2016 and 2019, Bergevin served as the general contractor on a number of home remodeling projects. As the general contractor, Bergevin was responsible for arranging for subcontractors to work on the project and making sure they got paid. However, during the wire fraud scheme, Bergevin presented his customers with hundreds of forged subcontractor invoices. Bergevin used the names, logos, and other identifying information about the subcontractors to create the false invoices. He then sent them to the customers for payment. Bergevin falsely told the customer that the invoice was for work that had been done or would be done. In some instances, he claimed that by paying “up front,” the customer could lock in lower rates for building materials when the work was done.
Many of the victims submitted heartrending impact statements. One wrote: “The amount of money Bergevin stole from us is nearly unthinkable. He stole more than an entire year’s salary from me. [Bergevin] not only stole our entire life savings but induced us to borrow money and take on credit card debt in order to keep our build going. He literally took from us more than all of the money we had.”
And another, “[Bergevin] stole five years of our lives and showed no remorse While he raised his daughters happily, built his dream house, purchased luxury cars and boats, and actively participated in his church and community, these are the very experiences he robbed from us.”
Other victims spoke in court today about how Bergevin’s crime robbed them of time, money, and trust in others. Another spoke of how his theft decimated her children’s college funds, damaging their future. A third recounted how Bergevin exploited their desperation to get their house finished, all the while taking their money to finish his own luxury home and buy himself a boat.
At the time of the plea, the false invoices totaled $3,554,054 and went to twenty-four different customers. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Bergevin is responsible for at least $3,554,054 in restitution. Today the parties agreed that the total restitution should be approximately $4 million for all the losses caused by the criminal conduct in this scheme. Judge Whitehead ordered the full restitution.
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Kirkland Police Department, and King County Sheriff’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Dion and Yunah Chung.
Owners of Clark County automotive repair and performance shop sentenced to home confinement, probation for conspiracy and violations of Clean Air ActRead the Press Release
Tacoma – The owners of two Clark County automotive businesses were sentenced yesterday afternoon for conspiracy and felony violations of the federal Clean Air Act for tampering with diesel trucks’ emissions monitoring systems, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Tracy Coiteux, 44, and Sean Coiteux, 50, of La Center, Washington, were both sentenced to four years of probation, four months of home confinement, 60 hours of community service and each must pay a $10,000 fine. The two are the co-owners of Racing Performance Maintenance Northwest (known as RPM) and a related sales company called RPM Motors and Sales NW. Tracy Coiteux was convicted by a jury in May 2024 following a three-day jury trial. Sean Coiteux pleaded guilty in March 2024.
The United States Attorney’s Office recommended that the Court sentence both defendants to prison time. At the sentencing U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle said, “The defendants put their desire for money above their duty to the community and environment… But this once prosperous middle-aged couple is now in financial ruin.” .
“These defendants removed pollution controls from some 375 trucks, causing them to continuously spew massive amounts of pollutants into the environment. Emissions of diesel exhaust are harmful to human health with links to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The Coiteuxs knew their conduct was illegal and was harming the environment but kept it up to help pay for their 10-acre estate, yacht, and collection of exotic cars. The Department of Justice will continue to seek to hold business owners accountable for putting the health of the community at risk.”
An indictment returned in May 2021 charged the Coiteuxs with conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and eleven specific violations of the Clean Air Act for tampering with the emissions-monitoring system on vehicles when removing pollution control equipment between January 2018 and November 2020.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, the investigation began when a former RPM employee notified the EPA that the company was performing the unlawful modifications, which are known as “deletes” and “tunes.” A single truck that has been deleted and tuned can cause the same amount of pollution as up to 1,200 trucks with compliant emissions systems. These modifications are marketed to truck owners as improving vehicle power and performance.
The investigation revealed that between January 2018 and January 2021, the defendants charged their customers fees of about $2,000 per truck to remove (delete) emissions control systems required by federal law. They then modified (tuned) legally required software that works to ensure the vehicle’s pollution remains within legal limits. RPM Motors and Sales sometimes offered, as part of the sale of a truck, to remove the emissions control system after the customer purchased a truck. Email and other electronic records document the conspirators’ purchase of equipment and software kits to remove the pollution control and reprogram the monitoring systems.
Over the three years described in the court records, the defendants took in more than $500,000 for illegal modifications. Even as they broke the law, the couple used the income for their 10-acre compound with a saltwater pool and garage housing an extensive collection of expensive exotic cars.
In asking for prison time, prosecutors argued, “By deleting 375 trucks, (the) Coiteuxs in effect placed the pollution equivalent of 127,500 new trucks on the road. To put this in perspective, there are only 274,000 diesel trucks registered statewide in Washington. Based on these figures, RPM’s modifications had the capacity to increase total diesel pollution by 46% above the pollution caused by all compliant registered light duty diesel trucks statewide.”
“For years, the defendants intentionally violated the Clean Air Act by defeating emissions control equipment on well over three hundred diesel trucks,” said Special Agent in Charge Lance Ehrig of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division (EPA CID) in Washington. “Their actions directly resulted in significant excess pollution being emitted into the air, which are linked to heart and lung diseases and even cancer. Today’s sentencing demonstrates that individuals and their companies who violate our nation’s environmental laws and deliberately threaten human health and the environment will be held criminally responsible for their actions.”
The case was investigated by Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Cindy Chang and Environmental Protection Agency Special Assistant United States Attorney Karla Gebel Perrin.
Nigerian national arrested on arrival in U.S. on indictment for multi-million-dollar romance fraudRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 40-year-old Nigerian national was arrested upon his arrival at an airport in Texas on an indictment returned in the Western District of Washington. Franklin Ikechukwu Nwadialo was indicted in December 2023 for 14 counts of wire fraud connected to his romance fraud scheme. Nwadialo was traveling from Nigeria when he was arrested. Nwadialo will be transported to the Western District of Washington for arraignment.
“All too often the defendants in these romance scams are overseas and unreachable by U.S. law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “I congratulate investigators who are alert to any opportunity to arrest such defendants and hold them accountable.”
According to the indictment and criminal complaint filed in the case, Nwadialo allegedly defrauded victims of more than $3.3 million. According to the indictment, Nwadialo used various versions of the name ‘Giovanni” when he met his victims online on websites such as Match, Zoosk, and Christian Café. Nwadialo used false images for his profile and typically told the victims that he was in the military and deployed overseas so he could not meet the victims in person. Using these personas, Nwadialo invented many reasons he needed the victims to send him money. In one such case in 2020, he indicated he had been fined by the military for revealing his location to the victim. He asked the victim to help him pay the $150,000 fine. In all, that victim was defrauded of at least $2.4 million.
A second victim was contacted in 2019 to help move funds from U.S. accounts to accounts controlled by the defendant and his co-schemers. In this instance Nwadialo represented that he needed the help moving money in connection with his father’s death. The victim transferred at least $330,000 to the accounts controlled by the defendant.
A third victim was defrauded by Nwadialo when he told her that he was investing money for her. He claimed that a check she received from another victim was proceeds from her investments and he had her “reinvest” the money in a specific cryptocurrency account that he controlled. The victim transferred at least $270,000 at Nwadialo’s direction.
Finally, in August 2020, Nwadialo defrauded another victim who he met on an online dating site and caused this victim to transfer at least $310,000 by claiming he needed financial assistance, including help paying for his father’s funeral or his son’s school tuition.
The fourteen counts of wire fraud relate to the communications with Nwadialo and the wiring of funds from victims to the defendant and his co-schemers.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sok Jiang.
nwadialo_indictment.pdfKing County woman, son, and sister, indicted for allegedly defrauding Veterans Affairs benefit programsRead the Press Release
Seattle – A King County woman, her son, and her sister have been indicted by the federal grand jury on an 18-count indictment charging conspiracy, theft of government property, health care fraud and making false statements, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Kelly M. Lee-Carroll, 57, and her sister, Katoya F. Grant, 40, are summoned to appear for arraignment on the indictment November 7, Lee-Carroll’s son Robert H. Nelson III, 27, is currently in state custody and the government has requested that he be moved to federal custody for arraignment on November 7, 2024, as well.
According to the indictment, between July 2012 and October 2024, Lee-Carroll claimed to be disabled to such a degree that she needed full time care for daily living. She claimed to be bedridden with paralysis in one leg and arm. She repeatedly represented that she needed a wheelchair to leave home. The indictment alleges that Lee-Carroll repeatedly lied to the VA about her condition and her ability to care for herself. The investigation revealed that Lee-Carroll did not require the use of a wheelchair outside her home and that she had use of both hands.
Lee-Carroll designated her sister and son as her caregivers so that they were paid for the hours they represented they cared for Lee-Carroll. However, the investigation revealed that on some of the occasions they claimed to be caring for Lee-Carroll, she was traveling to Las Vegas, Tennessee, or internationally to Mexico or Jamaica, without her caregivers. On other occasions when they claimed to be caring for Lee-Carroll, they were clocked in at other jobs such as driving a truck or working as an administrative assistant.
The indictment alleges that the scheme resulted in fraudulent payments from VA programs of over $1.1 million.
According to the indictment, Lee-Carroll served in the Army for three months in 1986, and then joined the Army Reserves from 1986-1994. Lee-Carrol claimed a service-related disability in 2012 and received caregiver funding in 2013.
All three defendants are charged with Conspiracy to commit theft of government property. Lee-Carroll is charged with seven counts of theft of government property and Nelson and grant are each charged with two counts of theft of government property. Lee-Carroll is charged with seven counts of health care fraud. Grant and Nelson are each charged with two counts of health care fraud. Finally, Lee-Carroll is charged with three counts of making a false statement.
Conspiracy to commit theft of government property is punishable by up to five years in prison. Theft of government property and health care fraud are punishable by up to ten years in prison. Making a false statement is punishable by up to five years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung.
lee-carroll_indictment.pdfTwelve indicted in connection with violent drug trafficking gang that distributed fentanyl in Seattle and EverettRead the Press Release
Seattle – A coordinated law enforcement operation over the last 48 hours has resulted in eleven arrests of members of a drug trafficking ring that set up shop in the University District of Seattle, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. A year-long wire-tap investigation led to the indictment of 11 defendants on drug distribution and weapons charges. A twelfth defendant with ties to the organization was indicted on illegal weapons possession in connection with a deadly shooting at a Hookah bar in South Seattle. The defendants arrested over the last two days have or will be making appearances in U.S. District Court in Seattle.
“These defendants were prolific fentanyl dealers who were frequently armed when guarding their stash or distributing their drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “The danger to the community cannot be overstated in this case. The leader of the drug crew was gunned down last summer – right in front of one of the U District locations where members of the crew distributed their poison, and continued do so, following the deadly shooting.”
"This operation exemplifies the power of collaboration among law enforcement agencies at all levels,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Hammer, who oversees HSI operations in the Pacific Northwest. “By uniting our resources and expertise, we have successfully dismantled a criminal network that has endangered our communities through violent acts and the distribution of fentanyl. Together, we will continue to fight against violent crime and protect the lives of our citizens."
“There’s no true relief for those who have lost loved ones to drug-related crime or rising overdoses,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke of IRS-CI Seattle. “We stand with our law enforcement partners to stop groups that profit from the fentanyl epidemic by following the money.”
Thirty-one locations were searched yesterday by some 600 law enforcement officers from ten different agencies. A total of eleven people were arrested: nine of those indicted and two additional defendants were arrested on criminal complaints.
Three defendants are indicted for both gun and drug crimes:
Cooper Sherman, aka “Coop,” 27, of Seattle is charged with conspiracy, two counts of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Alvin Whiteside, aka “Mafia, 51, of Federal Way is charged with conspiracy, one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Whiteside is in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody.
Muhamed Ceesay, aka “Mo,” 27, of Lynnwood is charged with conspiracy, two counts of distributing fentanyl, one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ceesay remains a fugitive.
These eight defendants are charged in the indictment for the drug conspiracy and various drug distribution crimes:
Ali Kuyateh, aka “Pops,” 49, of Seattle
Lamin Saho aka “Buck,” 38, of Everett, Washington
Oche Poston, 31, of Everett, Washington
Jaquan Means, 45, of Bellevue, Washington
Dominque Sanders, 34, of Everett, Washington – remains a fugitive.
Patrick Smith, 27 of Edmonds, Washington – remains a fugitive.
Matthew Robinson, 37, of Everett, Washington
Yohannes Wondimagegnehu, aka “Jon,” 35, of Seattle
Finally, Khaliil Ahmed, aka “Bossup,” 26, of Kent, Washington, was identified as someone who supplied guns to members of the conspiracy. He is charged in a separate indictment with three counts of illegal possession of firearms, and one count of illegal possession of ammunition. Two of the charges relate to guns he possessed on August 20, 2023, at the time of a fatal shooting at a hookah bar in South Seattle. Ahmed was injured in the shooting and three others were killed. The final two charges relate to a firearm and ammunition he possessed on May 30, 2024. Ahmed is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2022 conviction for illegally possessing firearms.
Two defendants – Anteneh Tesfaye, 39, of Edmonds, Washington, and Michael Janisch, 25, of Mercer Island, Washington, were arrested on criminal complaints.
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement has seized more than 19 kg of fentanyl, 12 firearms, and more than $130,000 in cash. In the operations yesterday they seized over 50 firearms to include fully automatic weapons and handguns with Glock switches; thousands of rounds of ammunition, including high capacity drum magazines, and armor-piercing rounds; several hundred thousand dollars of bulk cash and jewelry; 1 kilogram of fentanyl and 4 kilograms of cocaine.
The charges contained in the indictments are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .
This investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with significant participation by Seattle Police Department (SPD), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington State Patrol (WSP), FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, U.S. Border Patrol, the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bellevue Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Everett Police Department, Renton Police Department, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Washington State National Guard, Washington State Gambling Commission, Yakima County Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D) Narcotics and Gang Task Force, and Northwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle Jensen and Joseph Silvio.
Washington doctor settles allegations he submitted false claims to federal healthcare programsRead the Press Release
Seattle – The U.S. Department of Justice today resolved allegations that Dr. Joseph Upton, of Bellevue, Washington, caused the submission of false claims to Medicare, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Dr. Upton agreed to pay $65,680 to resolve the matter. Of the settlement amount, $32,840 is restitution and the rest is a penalty under the False Claims Act.
According to the settlement agreement, the United States alleges that between August 1, 2018, and April 30, 2019, Dr. Upton engaged in conduct that resulted in the submission of false claims to the Medicare program. Specifically, in connection with his work for a purported telemedicine company known as REMN, Dr. Upton signed durable medical equipment and genetic testing orders for Medicare beneficiaries, despite never examining or speaking with the patients or confirming that the orders were medically necessary and reasonable as required by Medicare.
“Our federal health care system relies on the basic principle that providers must bill properly and follow the rules, and the taxpayers who fund the Medicare and Medicaid programs deserve nothing less,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “We are committed to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs, including investigating schemes that seek to undermine the legitimate delivery of telehealth services.”
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Burns and investigated by the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS-OIG).
Monroe, Washington, man sentenced to 10 years in prison for role as “right hand man” in deadly drug distribution ringRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 42-year-old Monroe, Washington resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Humberto Garcia was convicted in April 2024 following a week-long trial. Garcia was arrested in December 2020 with seven other defendants tied to a drug trafficking ring distributing heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl throughout the Puget Sound region. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones said, “Despite the fact that you had addiction you were involved in distributing very dangerous drugs.” Judge Jones also noted that Garcia was willing to provide a gun to the drug ring boss who sought to use violence to settle scores. “You were a willing and capable participant with loyalty to the drug ring leader,” Judge Jones said.
“Mr. Garcia played an important role in the conspiracy, acting as a drug redistributor, local guide, interpreter, and link to other drug dealers,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “He continued to distribute fentanyl even after learning of a customer overdose death. His conduct contributed to the huge spike of fentanyl overdoses in our community.”
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Garcia’s car was searched on October 3, 2020, after drug ringleader Jose Luis Ibarra-Valle, 40, asked Garcia to get him a firearm to kill another drug distributor who owed him money. A few weeks later, Ibarra-Valle was stopped returning from a drug run to California. In the car authorities found approximately 10,000 pills that contained fentanyl, more than eight kilograms of methamphetamine, and more than a kilogram of heroin. These drug amounts count towards Garcia’s conviction as part of the conspiracy.
When Garcia was arrested a few weeks later, he was found to have a firearm that matched the one he agreed to provide to Ibarra-Valle during the intercepted phone call mentioned above.
Ibarra-Valle and the other coconspirators entered guilty pleas. Last year, Ibarra-Valle was sentenced to nine years in prison. The remaining coconspirators have been sentenced, with a range of sentences from time served, to over six years in prison. Garcia is the final defendant in this case and the only one who went to trial.
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized 16,000 suspected fentanyl pills, 30 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and six pounds of suspected heroin.
In asking for a lengthy prison sentence, prosecutors wrote to the court, “The wiretap revealed that Ibarra-Valle had excellent connections to sources of supply in California and/or Mexico for drugs, but little to no local knowledge of the drug market or customers here in Western Washington and no English skills. Garcia, by contrast, knew the area, knew the local drug market, and speaks both English and Spanish. As such, he was ideally placed to help Ibarra-Valle sell his product here in this District… Garcia’s possession of a firearm of course increased the danger he posed to the community.”
Following prison, Garcia will be on five years of supervised release.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Washington State Patrol, Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force, United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Skagit County Interlocal Drug Enforcement Unit, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the Lake Stevens Police Department and Tulalip Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Michael Harder.
Former Bainbridge Island, Washington, resident fails to appear for sentencing in $10.7 million fraud schemeRead the Press Release
Defendant was found deceased
Seattle – Stephen Baird, 69, the former CEO of S-Ray, Inc., is now a wanted man for failing to show up for sentencing in U.S. District Court in Seattle announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Baird formerly of Bainbridge Island, Washington, defrauded investors by making false statements about S-Ray’s product development and falsely claiming the company had obtained FDA authorization to market a dental device. Baird was indicted in February 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2024. His failure to appear means he may face additional prison time for violating his appearance bond. Judge Richard A. Jones issued a warrant for his arrest.
If anyone is aware of his whereabouts, they are asked to contact the FBI at 206-622-0460 and ask for the duty agent.
Baird’s scheme began in 2012 and defrauded some 200 investors of $10.75 million. Baird told investors their funds would be used to bring a product to market, but Baird instead used more than half of investors’ money—at – some $5.7 million – for his and his family’s personal expenses, including to purchase a luxury car and a waterfront house on Bainbridge Island.
Many of the investors were in court today, ready to speak about the web of lies Baird told to take their money. Some investors lost their entire retirement savings, the college tuitions for their children and grandchildren, and for one 94-year-old investor the loss means choosing between medications and other daily needs.
The United States Attorney’s Office is seeking forfeiture of a ranch property in Terrebonne, Oregon that Baird purchased using proceeds of the fraud. The Court has entered a preliminary order of forfeiture with respect to this property.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Seth Wilkinson and Jehiel Baer, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Jessica M. Ly.
Claremont, California, man convicted at trial of sexually molesting young woman on flight from Burbank, California to SeattleRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 41-year-old Claremont, California man was convicted yesterday of abusive sexual contact aboard an aircraft enroute to Seattle from Burbank, California, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Justin Baker was arrested March 14, 2024, when the Alaska Airlines plane arrived at SEA. Baker was taken into custody again yesterday immediately after the jury returned its guilty verdict. The jury deliberated about 90 minutes following a three-day trial. U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour scheduled sentencing for January 21, 2025.
According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Baker was in the middle seat, with the victim seated to his right next to the wall of the plane. Baker learned the victim was preparing to go to college and was just 18 years old. According to testimony at trial, Baker showed the teen sexually explicit text messages he had on his phone and then draped his jacket over his lap as well as her lower body. The victim attempted to move away from Baker and closer to the wall. He reached under the jacket and groped her leg and genitals over her clothing. Then he reached into her top and groped her breast. Despite the victim saying “No” and moving away when he first tried to touch her, he continued to grope her.
Ultimately, the victim got out of her seat to contact the flight crew. As she tried to pass by Baker, he groped her buttocks.
In closing argument Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster said the defendant “saw the word ‘No’ as a speedbump, not a stop sign.” At the trial prosecutors presented the testimony of different victim, who in 2004, as a girl of 15, was molested by Baker in a similar fashion. At the time Baker was a youth pastor who didn’t stop despite the victim telling him no when he tried to molest her under a blanket.
Abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison. The actual sentence will be determined by Judge Coughenour after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case was investigated by the FBI and the Port of Seattle Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristine Foerster and Grace Zoller.
California man pleads guilty to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possessionRead the Press Release
Seattle – A California man pleaded guilty today to two federal felonies related to his sex trafficking of adult female victims, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Winston Cornell Burt aka “Dice Capone,” 32 of Hemet, California, was arrested November 6, 2022, after he allegedly brutally assaulted a 20-year-old woman and engaged in a rolling gun battle as she fled in a van driven by a man who picked her up from the roadway. Burt pleaded guilty to Sex Trafficking through Force, Fraud, and Coercion and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Burt is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge John H. Chun on February 3, 2025.
According to records filed in the case, Burt self-identifies as a “pimp” who led a sex trafficking enterprise through California, Arizona, and Washington. The young women in the case were required to provide all the money they earned in prostitution to Burt. Three women had his name tattooed on their faces – an apparent sign of “ownership.”
On November 2, 2022, Burt assaulted the 20-year-old victim in this case by kicking her, punching her, and pistol whipping her after she indicated she wanted to stop working for Burt. The assault occurred at an Airbnb in south Seattle. Three days later, on November 5, 2022, Burt assaulted the victim again and forced her to strip to her underwear. The victim tried to escape from the rental home by jumping out a third story window. The defendant and two women working for him forced her into a car and drove towards a motel on north Aurora Avenue. Burt was armed with a gun, but the victim was able to get out of the car and ran into traffic on Aurora wearing only her underwear. Burt and his female assistants tried to force the victim back into their car, but the victim stayed in the middle of the roadway until finally picked up by a driver who saw her in distress.
Even after the victim was driven away in a van, Burt gave chase on Aurora Avenue and fired shots at the van with the victim inside. The driver was eventually able to evade Burt and called the Washington State Patrol for assistance.
Ultimately law enforcement responded to the scene and got the victim to Harborview Medical Center for treatment.
Burt was arrested on November 6, 2022, as he was attempting to leave the Airbnb in south Seattle.
As part of the plea agreement, Burt also agrees to plead guilty to charges in King County Superior Court: three counts of Assault 2; Drive-by Shooting; Unlawful Imprisonment; and Assault-3
The plea agreement calls for the forfeiture of both firearms and more than $72,000 in cash.
Sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison and illegal possession of a firearm is punishable by ten years in prison. Both the prosecution and defense have agreed to recommend 15 years in prison to run concurrent with any sentence imposed in state court.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Seattle Police Department with assistance from the Washington State Patrol (WSP). FBI Phoenix also assisted.
Senior Deputy King County Prosecutor Alexandra Voorhees worked closely with the FBI, Seattle Police Department and Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham on this case.
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman names District Election OfficerRead the Press Release
Seattle - United States Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Marci Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western 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.
U. S. Attorney Gorman 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, threats of violence directed at election officials and election fraud. The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and 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 Gorman stated that: “The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise 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 Ellsworth will be on duty in this District. She can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 206-553-7970.”
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. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 206-622-0460.
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 Gorman 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.
Seattle man sentenced for string of marijuana dispensary robberiesRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 19-year-old Seattle-area man, was sentenced October 18, 2024, to 90 months in prison for a series of seven armed robberies of marijuana dispensaries, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Caiden James Charlton was arrested in June 2023, in connection with three armed robberies in May and June 2023. He pleaded guilty in July 2024 admitting his involvement in all seven robberies. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones imposed three years of supervised release to follow prison.
“This defendant and his juvenile accomplices targeted small businesses – marijuana dispensaries – across our region. With guns drawn they frightened employees grabbing cash and product and in one case even stealing the safe,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “This dangerous conduct cannot be tolerated.”
According to records filed in the case, Charlton pleaded guilty in July 2024 to committing three pot shop robberies on May 30, 2023, The first robbery was of Herb’s House on NW 65th Street in Seattle. The second was West Seattle Cannabis and the third robbery was of Hashtag Cannabis on Nickerson Street in Seattle. On June 10, 2023, Charlton and an accomplice robbed Oz Cannabis on Stone Way in Seattle. The next day, June 11, 2023, Charlton robbed Novel Tree MJ in Bellevue, and on June 12, he robbed Seaweed Cannabis in Edmonds, Washington. Finally, on June 21, he and accomplices robbed Dockside Cannabis in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle. In each of the robberies, surveillance video shows clothing, tattoos, and jewelry that was linked to Charlton. Victims of the robberies noted distinctive face tattoos around Charlton’s eyes that were not concealed by his mask.
In each of the robberies, one of two intruders displayed a handgun and ordered the dispensary staff to open safes or empty the till. In addition to money, the suspects stole a large amount of marijuana products. In some cases, the safes at the dispensaries could not be opened due to time locks used to discourage robberies. In one case, the robbers stole the safe by detaching it from the floor.
The robbery crew would run to a getaway car after the robberies – two of the cars had been reported stolen.
In asking for an eight-year prison sentence Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg wrote to the court, “The offense conduct in this case is extremely serious. Charlton went on a violent crime spree, robbing seven marijuana dispensaries over the course of 30 days. During each robbery, he and/or his accomplices were armed with firearms and used them – brandishing the guns, pointing them directly at the victims, etc. It is very fortunate that no one was shot or otherwise injured. The Court is well aware that similar robberies often end up with shootings and/or deaths, when victims act in ways not expected by the perpetrators or with the accidental discharge of a firearm.”
Some the robbery victims wrote to the court about the trauma the robberies caused in their life. One owner wrote, “… these robberies destroyed the business my wife and I worked to build over the nine plus years…. When they walk into a business with guns and demand money and product, the impact goes way beyond the loss of money and product.”
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Seattle Police Department, and the Bellevue Police Department, as well as the King County and Snohomish County Sheriffs’ Offices.
The case was prosecuted by former Assistant United States Attorneys Erin H. Becker and Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.
Washington Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes and Firearm Offense for Four Attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom HallsRead the Press Release
A Washington man was sentenced today to 11 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for federal civil rights and firearms offenses in connection with four attacks that damaged or destroyed several Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls in western Washington.
Mikey Diamond Starrett, also known as Michael Jason Layes, 52, of Olympia, was also ordered to pay restitution in a total amount of $714,608.70, including: $4,921.73 to the Kingdom Hall of Tumwater; $1,749.20 to the Kingdom Hall of Yelm; and $707,937.73 to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc.
Specifically, Starett was sentenced on four counts of violating the Church Arson Prevention Act — one count for each attack — as well as one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“The defendant in this case committed four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, causing fear and anguish to its members,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The freedom to practice the religion we choose, without discrimination or violence, is a fundamental civil right in our nation and a hallmark of our democracy from its very inception. Violence based on religious prejudice has no place in our society. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute those who target and harm houses of worship.”
“Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide, and caused severe, permanent harm to the Jehovah’s Witness community in Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman for the Western District of Washington. “These were not crimes against buildings, but a series of attacks against a community and a faith.”
“ATF and our law enforcement partners spent many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of hours investigating these attacks and ensuring that the right person was identified,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the ATF Seattle Field Division. “His guilty plea is a validation of the hard work put in by all the law enforcement involved in the investigation, and this sentence is appropriate for his egregious actions. We are all committed to defending the right of people to practice their religion, and investigating when someone acts to deprive them of that right, in this case through acts of arson and use of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence.”
According to court documents and statements made during the plea and sentencing hearings, Starrett intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Tumwater, Washington, on March 19, 2018; intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Olympia on March 19, 2018; intentionally used a firearm to shoot into the Kingdom Hall of Yelm, Washington, on May 15, 2018; and intentionally set fire to the Kingdom Hall of Olympia on July 3, 2018. The defendant admitted he committed these attacks because of the religious character of the Kingdom Halls. The attacks resulted in significant damage to each of the Kingdom Halls, including the destruction of the Olympia Kingdom Hall on July 3, 2018.
The ATF Seattle Field Division, FBI Seattle Field Office, Tumwater Police Department and Olympia Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonas Lerman for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
Olympia, Washington man who attacked religious buildings with gunshots and fires sentenced to 11 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Tacoma –A 52-year-old Olympia, Washington man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 11 years in prison for a series of arsons and a shooting spree in 2018 that damaged or destroyed several Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Mikey Diamond Starrett, aka Michael Jason Layes, pleaded guilty in May 2024 to four counts of damage to religious property and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. At today’s sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said, “There are significant and troubling facts…. Terrorizing a group of individuals because of their religious beliefs.”
“Mr. Starrett’s attacks irrevocably destroyed the sense of safety and peace that a house of worship is supposed to provide, and caused severe, permanent harm to the Jehovah’s Witness community in Washington,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These were not crimes against buildings, but a series of attacks against a community and a faith.”
“The defendant in this case committed four attacks on Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls, causing fear and anguish to its members,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. “The freedom to practice the religion we choose, without discrimination or violence, is a fundamental civil right in our nation and a hallmark of our democracy from its very inception. Violence based on religious prejudice has no place in our society. The Justice Department will continue to prosecute those who target and harm houses of worship.”
According to records in the case, Starrett set fire to Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Halls on three occasions. On March 19, 2018, he set fire to the Kingdom Halls in Tumwater and Olympia, Washington. On July 3, 2018, Starrett returned to the Olympia Kingdom Hall and burned it down completely. In a fourth attack on May 15, 2018, Starrett used an assault-style rifle to shoot rounds into another Kingdom Hall in Yelm, Washington. Starrett’s attacks caused more than $700,000 in damage to these Kingdom Halls. Starrett admitted in his plea agreement that he defaced, damaged, and destroyed the Kingdom Halls because of the properties religious character.
After an extensive investigation, Starrett was arrested in September 2021 and has been in federal custody since then.
“ATF and our law enforcement partners spent many thousands, if not tens of thousands, of hours investigating these attacks and ensuring that the right person was identified,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “His guilty plea is a validation of the hard work put in by all the law enforcement involved in the investigation, and this sentence is appropriate for his egregious actions. We are all committed to defending the right of people to practice their religion, and investigating when someone acts to deprive them of that right, in this case through acts of arson and use of a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence.”
Prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo that Starrett “committed several violent, premeditated attacks using fire or a dangerous weapon. His attacks were brazen and show that he believed he could engage in extensive criminal conduct without consequence. Starrett’s disregard for the safety of the Kingdom Halls, its congregants, first responders, and the surrounding area, which is vulnerable to devastating wildfires, underscores the danger that he poses to the public.”
At the sentencing hearing, a spokesman for the Jehovah’s Witness community read a series of statements that had been submitted by community members. They wrote of the fear and anxiety the attack engendered writing: “I wondered if the arsonist would strike again with people inside; any new face at the meeting made me worry: and …the gunshots and bomb left, were clear threats, we worried someone would come to a meeting with a gun.”
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division, the FBI, the Tumwater, Washington Police Department, and the Olympia, Washington Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jonas Lerman of the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
For more information and resources about DOJ’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
Department of Justice awards more than $2 million to local non-profits to provide services to victims of domestic violence and human traffickingRead the Press Release
Seattle – The Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime and the Office on Violence Against Women has awarded more than $2 million to various non-profits to elevate their success in supporting survivors of human trafficking and victims of intimate violence and stalking.
“These federal resources recognize the good work being done in Western Washington to assist vulnerable victims of domestic violence or human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “By providing housing assistance to these survivors, these non-profits help to break the cycle of domestic violence and human trafficking.”
YouthCare, a Seattle-based non-profit has been awarded over $730,000 to their new project titled “YouthCare’s Family Engagement Services for Minor Survivors of Human Trafficking”. This project aims to provide a multitude of services to young victims including connections to therapists on-site, providing bi-weekly case management, and referrals for supportive services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health counseling, medical care, and housing assistance. YouthCare will also collaborate with local partners such as King County’s Juvenile Court Services and other non-profits.
Our Sisters’ House, a Tacoma-based non-profit was awarded $475,000 to their Culturally Specific Services Program, which aims to enhance the accessibility of resources to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. This increased accessibility entails enhancing culturally relevant and linguistically specific resources to victims and exposed children within these affected communities. This award will also fund domestic violence prevention efforts through the program with support groups, a teen dating violence prevention program, crisis intervention, court support, and referrals.
Silent Taskforce of Seattle was also awarded $475,000 to support the maintenance and replication of existing community-based programs providing culturally specific services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Silent Taskforce will also be providing culturally specific resources addressing the safety, economic, housing, and workplace needs of victims. This award will also fund domestic violence prevention efforts through non-traditional healing methods such as meditation, photography, music, painting, and poetry, as well as financial assistance, crisis intervention, educational support, and referrals for further support.
Lifewire, a Bellevue-based non-profit was awarded $500,000 to support their efforts to provide housing assistance and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Through private landlord housing units, Lifewire will collaborate with partners to provide a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to traditional housing needs to survivors and their families. They also provide services such as rental and utility assistance, case management, safety planning, legal advocacy, support groups, mental health therapy, financial empowerment, educational support, connections to community-based resources and housing advocacy.
Former King County Jail guard sentenced to more than eight years in prison for accepting bribe to bring narcotics into facilityRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former King County Jail guard with a history of corrupt actions was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 102 months in prison for bribery and distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Former jail employee Mosses Ramos, 40, of Milton, Washington, had been a King County jail guard for 18 years before he was fired last year. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez told Ramos “You betrayed your fellow corrections officers…. You jeopardized the safety of other officers as well as the safety of inmates…. You were smuggling deadly poison into the jail.”
“Corrections officers are critical for operating safe, humane, and secure detention facilities,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “In this case Mr. Ramos betrayed the trust placed in him and jeopardized the safety of his colleagues and detainees by smuggling highly addictive and lethal drugs into the jail.”
According to records filed in the case, between March and May 2023, Ramos accepted a $5,000 bribe to bring about a pound of methamphetamine and 100 fentanyl pills into the jail for inmates Michael Anthony Barquet, 37, and Francisco Montero, 25. Both men are currently incarcerated. Montero is facing trial in King County Superior Court for a double homicide. Barquet is scheduled for trial on drug and bribery charges for this case in April 2025.
The web of bribes and drug trafficking extended outside the jail with three coconspirators who are alleged associates of the two inmates: Neca Silvestre, 38,of Kent; Katrina Cazares, 38, of Burien; and Kayara Zepeda Montero, 27, of Seattle have all pleaded guilty in the case and await sentencing.
In asking for a ten-year sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang wrote to the court, “Ramos has a history of abusing his authority as a long-serving King County corrections officer. For years, he introduced drugs and other contraband into the facility. He disclosed confidential information to inmates. He allowed inmates to assault one another and even expressed a desire for an inmate to be assaulted when he believed the inmate “snitched” on him. Ramos’ unwavering abuse of power before, during, and after the charged offenses is an aggravating factor for his sentence.”
“Impact in our community is built on the foundation of trust, and Mr. Ramos chose to violate that trust,” said Kelly M. Smith, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “We are grateful for the exceptional collaboration with the King County Sheriff’s Office and the King County Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention who share our commitment to holding public servants accountable and keeping drugs out of our correctional facilities. This successful joint investigation demonstrates the commitment by public safety professionals to hold those who violate this trust to the highest standards.”
“The Sheriff’s Office is eager to take any steps necessary to help keep fentanyl and other deadly drugs out of our communities, including our jails,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “We are glad to have played a role in helping the Department of Justice shed light on these egregious and appalling crimes.”
The case was investigated by the FBI and the King County Sheriff’s Office with support from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Vince Lombardi.
Former Tacoma, Washington, attorney indicted for embezzling more than half million from client’s trust accountRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former Tacoma lawyer is indicted for twelve counts of wire fraud for his embezzlement from a vulnerable client’s trust account, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Colby Parks, 65, allegedly stole more than $570,000 from a client who had been awarded about$1.66 million due to significant permanent injuries she suffered in a motorcycle accident. Parks will make his initial appearance at 2:00 today.
According to the indictment, in 2010 Parks became the trustee for a living trust designed to pay the victim’s expenses after she was severely injured as a passenger on a motorcycle. Initially, the victim’s trust account contained approximately $1.66 million. However, over the first seven years that Parks was the trustee, he siphoned the funds in such large amounts that only $20,000 was left. In 2018, Parks had the victim take out a reverse mortgage on her home and twice used the proceeds to fund the trust account. He continued to make transfers from the account for his own use. Records from the account show that Parks repeatedly transferred funds to his own bank accounts and then, on the same day or soon thereafter, Parks would make a payment for a personal credit card for the same amount as the transfer.
By the end of 2019, the victim’s accounts held only $15. She was forced to sell her home. And even then, Parks diverted proceeds from the sale by claiming the victim owed him money he had advanced to her.
According to the indictment, Parks repeatedly told the defendant she was spending too much money, when in fact, the amount that the victim received as cash disbursements was a fraction of the amount that Parks secretly siphoned for himself.
According to the indictment, when Washington State’s Adult Protective Services investigated Parks’ representation of the victim, Parks initially claimed he was only paid a flat rate of $24,000 per year. After Adult Protective Services requested supporting documentation, Parks revised his statement and said he was paid varying amounts that averaged over $54,000 per year. However, the indictment alleges that Parks, in fact, collected well over $80,000 per year from the victim.
The Washington State Bar also investigated the matter, and Parks resigned his law license instead of discipline, which could have been disbarment.
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang.
Seven Western Washington tribal nations receive significant funding from DOJ’s Office of Violence Against Women to enhance services for victims of domestic violenceRead the Press Release
Seattle – Seven western Washington tribal nations are receiving significant funding to enhance services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. The grants, from the Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) pay for a range of services. For three of the tribes the funding will enhance their efforts to hold non-Indian offenders accountable in tribal court.
“Native women suffer domestic violence assaults at a disproportionately higher rate than other communities,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “These grants enhance the efforts of our tribal partners to hold offenders accountable and promote healing for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.”
Three tribes, the Quileute Tribe, the Lummi Nation, and the Tulalip Tribes received grants under the 2024 Special Tribal Criminal Jurisdiction Grant Program. The program assists tribes in establishing court staff and procedures to prosecute non-Indians for crimes against Indian victims on tribal land. Such crimes include: assault of Tribal justice personnel, child violence, dating violence, domestic violence, obstruction of justice, sexual violence, sex trafficking, stalking and violation of a protection order.
The Quileute Tribe received $1,710,078 for its justice program. The Lummi Nation received $863,977 and the Tulalip Tribes was awarded $1.5 million specifically for their tribal court programs.
In addition to the Tribal Criminal jurisdiction grants, significant funds are supporting services for victims in tribal communities:
The Tulalip Tribes receive two other OVW grants totaling $1.7 million. $500,000 is to enhance investigation of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking with additional training and personnel. The additional $1.2 million is to support crisis intervention services, housing, legal services, and therapy for victims of domestic violence.
The Lummi Nation received an additional $800,000 for safety planning and shelter for victims of domestic violence.
The Suquamish Indian Tribe received $1.2 million to provide support for crime victims, housing stability and no cost civil legal services.
The Quinault Indian Nation received $1,199,960 to provide advocacy, shelter, and legal services to victims.
The Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe received $900,000 for transitional housing for victims and funding for a special therapy program for youth who have experienced domestic violence, dating violence and sexual assault.
The Skokomish Indian Tribe received $501,601 to increase the capacity of its crisis hotline, safe housing and crisis advocacy and support.
Bikini barista coffee stand owner, who underreported income to commit tax fraud, sentenced to prison, fine, and community serviceRead the Press Release
Seattle – The owner of a string of bikini barista coffee stands was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 30 days in prison, a $5,000 fine, and 100 hours of community service for tax fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Rajesh Mathew, 45, of Auburn, Washington, pleaded guilty to making and subscribing a false tax return. In his plea agreement Mathew, admitted he underreported a substantial amount of income over a period of several years. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said, “Tax fraud is an enormous problem…. It is a serious crime…. There is no excuse for hiding half a million dollars in a life of privilege, except greed.” Judge Lin rejected the defense request for a sentence of home confinement saying it would only be an inconvenience, and not reflective of the seriousness of the offense.
The sentencing today is the first in a series of cases involving one family whose various members own strings of coffee stands. Mathew’s brother-in-law Assad Baragzai, 47, also of Auburn, admitted in August 2024, that between 2016 and 2020 he failed to report as much as $6 million in income on his tax returns. Baragzai faces up to three years in prison when sentenced by Judge Lin on November 18, 2024.
In asking for a 4-month prison sentence for Mathew, Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion wrote to the court, “…most Americans pay their taxes voluntarily and on time – as much as 85%, by IRS estimates. The root of the tax evasion problem is not widespread fraud, but rather a small minority of people and businesses who refuse to pay what they owe. Raj Mathew is one of those people. Mathew ran a successful business and earned a comfortable living. Nevertheless, year after year, he chose to cheat the government and, by extension, his fellow citizens. There is no sign of any excuse or extenuating circumstances. Mathew simply did not want to pay what he owed.”
Mathew has already paid restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. He may also face additional civil penalties, fines, and interest for the tax loss.
Filing or subscribing a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison and a $250,000 fine or twice the gain or loss from the offense.
The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Dion.
Whatcom County man pleads guilty to domestic violence assault resulting in serious bodily injuryRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 49-year-old member of the Lummi Nation pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to assault resulting in serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Jason Sieber Sr. was charged federally in February 2024, for the October 20, 2023, assault of his domestic partner. Sieber has been detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in February 2024. He is scheduled for sentencing on December 20, 2024.
According to records filed in the case, Sieber became angry with the victim over the amount of time it was taking for her to cook dinner. He struck her repeatedly in the face and head and kept her from leaving the home to get help. The blows with his closed fist caused the victim to suffer facial fractures, extreme pain, and disfigurement.
The victim reported the assault to Lummi Nation Police a few days after the assault. Sieber was charged in tribal court. The case was ultimately referred to federal prosecutors.
Assault resulting in bodily injury is punishable by up to ten years in prison. U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez will determine the appropriate sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and other factors.
The case was investigated by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI as part of the Safe Trails Taskforce.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Tate London and Erika Evans. Mr. London serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U. S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.
Pair who targeted seriously ill veterans for fraud indicted for conspiracy, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theftRead the Press Release
Seattle – A former Washington State Department of Corrections inmate and his accomplice were indicted by the grand jury for their scheme to target seriously ill veterans for fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 46-year-old Darryl Lamont Young is in the King County Jail on unrelated charges. Co-defendant, 27-year-old Aqeelah Ngiesha Williams, was arrested this morning and pleaded “not guilty” today in federal court.
“The conduct in this case is truly shocking – calling medical facilities and seriously ill veterans under the pretense of being a VA employee trying to provide the ill veteran with financial benefits. In reality, these two were seeking personal and financial information to defraud the veteran,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “While they did not get a huge amount of money with this scheme, the harm they caused to those already suffering a health crisis, is deserving of federal prosecution.”
According to the indictment, Young has served in the military and so understood some of the services provided to veterans. Between December 2021, and April 2023, while incarcerated, Young would use the jail phone system to place calls to veteran’s facilities. He would ask to be transferred to a particular medical facility so that the medical facility would not know that the call was from an inmate. Once connected to the medical facility, Young allegedly posed as a VA employee who needed information about the various patients currently in the Intensive Care Unit, including their phone numbers and names for their emergency contact person.
Once Young had information about a seriously ill veteran, he would call Williams who allegedly placed a three-way call to the veteran or the relative listed as the veteran’s representative. Young would pretend to be a VA employee calling with information about benefits to be deposited to the veteran’s bank account. Once Young and Williams had that account information from the veteran, they used it to steal funds from the victims’ accounts and transfer them to accounts they controlled.
Young and Williams targeted more than 30 VA and non-VA medical facilities and targeted more than 60 victims. They attempted 130 fraudulent transactions on victim accounts and obtained about $8,000 from the scheme.
The pair are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, six counts of wire fraud for phone calls made via wire to various VA medical centers across the country, and six counts of aggravated identity theft for their possession or use of personal information from the victims for fraud.
Conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Aggravated identity theft is punishable by two years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed in the case.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. (VA-OIG) and the United States Secret Service (USSS).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Yunah Chung.
Fourteen indicted in multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy linked to deadly fentanyl distributed to members of the Lummi NationRead the Press Release
Seattle – Law enforcement fanned out across the country and in western Washington yesterday arresting 17 people on indictments and criminal complaints for a multi- state drug trafficking conspiracy. The two-year investigation alleges that the trafficking ring has been linked to a fatal fentanyl overdose on the Lummi Nation reservation in Whatcom County. Law enforcement in Georgia, Missouri, Texas, and Arizona executed search warrants and some arrests. Ten of 13 defendants arrested in Washington remain detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac, pending hearings later this week and next week. Three defendants were released on bond.
“This investigation revealed that the trafficking organization was a supplier to a community that was rocked by four fentanyl overdose deaths in just four days,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. “Fentanyl continues to claim lives in our community – especially in our Tribal communities. We will do all we can to stop the flow of this deadly drug.”
"The significance of this case is that a family drug trafficking organization expanded from Seattle beyond Washington state to locations across the country,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “This group distributed more than 800,000 fentanyl pills throughout the United States, including in Arizona, Texas, Missouri, Montana, and Georgia. Together with our partners, this demonstrates the national impact of today’s operations by disrupting this source of supply.”
The drug ring was led by Marquis Jackson, 31, who splits time between Atlanta and the Renton, Washington home of his parents, defendants Mandel Jackson, 50, and Matelita (Marty) Jackson, 49. Also linked to the Renton family home were defendants Markell Jackson, 21, and Miracle Patu-Jackson, 22. Members of the Jackson family are indicted for various conspiracy counts including drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies. Records filed in the case link some of the Jacksons to a Seattle area street gang.
Markell Jackson is a fugitive still being sought by law enforcement. Matelita (Marty) Jackson, Miracle Patu-Jackson and Adean Batinga were released on bond.
The other defendants indicted for drug trafficking include:
Edgar Valdez, 26, of Phoenix
Keondre Jackson, 29, Wichita, Kansas
Michael Young Jr., 43, Tacoma, Washington
Sir-Terrique Devon Milam, 20, Federal Way, Washington
Tyrell Lewis, 32, Federal Way, Washington – a fugitive
Robert Johnson, 20, Renton, Washington
Diyana Abraha, 22, Seattle – a fugitive
Adean Batinga, 20, Burien, Washington
Tianna Karastan, 21, Seattle -a fugitive
Diallo Redd, 34, Tacoma, arrested in Montana on a Montana indictment.
Two additional defendants were arrested in the Seattle area in connection with the serving of yesterday’s search warrants:
Chad Conti, 47, Covington, Washington
Phillip Lamont Alexander, 48, Des Moines, Washington
Over the course of the investigation law enforcement seized more than 846,000 fentanyl pills, nearly 7 kilograms of fentanyl powder, 7 kilograms of cocaine and 29 firearms. They also seized more than $116,000 in cash.
In Whatcom County, teams led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) arrested four people on criminal complaints for fentanyl distribution. According to the complaints, the Whatcom drug traffickers were linked by phone communication and surveillance to the Jackson drug trafficking organization.
In September 2023, four tribal citizens died of fentanyl overdose within a period of just four days, prompting the Lummi Indian Business Council to declare a state of emergency in response to the escalating fentanyl crisis.
Tribal and federal partners examined the phone of one of the overdose victims and found connections to the Jackson Drug Trafficking Organization. DEA, the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs have continued to work closely with the Lummi Nation Police to identify additional members of this drug trafficking organization with the goal of stopping the flow of fentanyl into Indian Country and elsewhere.
Those arrested on complaints this week include:
Robert Bellair, 41, Ferndale, Washington
Thomas J. Morris, 42, Bellingham, Washington
Patrick James, 40, Bellingham, Washington
Ronald Finkbonner, 50, Bellingham, Washington
All four are charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
“The Drug Enforcement Administration’s top priority is to combat fentanyl traffickers responsible for deaths and misery in our communities,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “This case highlights the lengths to which DEA and our partners will go to ensure people trafficking fentanyl are held accountable for the suffering they cause.”
“The Seattle Police Department appreciates the collaboration with our federal partners in combatting the scourge of the fentanyl crisis and the proliferation of guns from drug trafficking organizations,” said Deputy Chief Eric Barden of the Seattle Police Department. “Fentanyl caused over 1,000 overdose deaths in King County last year. Seattle Police are delighted to partner with the FBI, DEA, USAO and other state and local jurisdictions to dismantle a drug distribution network undoubtedly responsible for deaths in our community.”
The charges contained in the indictment and criminal complaints are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
This case is being investigated by the FBI, (Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Kansas City, Dallas, Las Vegas, Montana), DEA (Seattle, Kansas City, Wichita, Montana), the Seattle Police Department, King County Sheriff’s Office, Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, the Lummi Police Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and United States Border Patrol Blaine Sector Targeting and Intelligence Division.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Crystal Correa, and Michael Harder.
Former Seattle tech worker, who created and promoted website urging incest and child sexual abuse, sentenced to 30 years in prisonRead the Press Release
Seattle – A 40-year-old Seattle woman was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for five federal felonies related to the sexual abuse of children, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Shabnam Dawn Pilisuk was convicted following a four-day jury trial in March 2023. At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin told Pilisuk, “You committed one of the most heinous crimes, committed against the most vulnerable members of the community: children.”
According to records filed in the case, a Seattle Police detective uncovered information about a website that included discussion of incest and child abuse. The investigation revealed that Pilisuk was the founder and operator of the website. The investigation further revealed that Pilisuk had traveled with an 11-year-old and sexually molested the child. The website is no longer functioning.
In March 2019, Seattle Police and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) served a judicially authorized search warrant on Pilisuk’s Seattle Home. They seized her electronic devices. The devices were forensically examined and determined to have images of child sexual abuse. In November 2021, a victim disclosed the sexual abuse that began when the child was 11 years old.
The jury convicted Pilisuk of: Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a Minor under 12, punishable by a mandatory minimum 30 years to life in prison; Production of Child Pornography punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison to 30 years in prison; two counts of Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years to life in prison; and Possession of Child Pornography, punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
In asking for a 45-year sentence Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Harmon wrote to the court, “The seriousness of Pilisuk’s crimes cannot be overstated: she raped and molested a child..., made (the child) available for like-minded friends to also abuse (the child), and organized an online community in support of incest and child sexual abuse.”
Pilisuk has been in custody since her arrest in 2021.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matt Hampton and Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Harmon. Ms. Harmon is a Senior King County Deputy Prosecutor specially designated to prosecute child exploitation cases in federal court.