Eastern District of Washington

Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on March 3, 2026, the Drug Enforcement Administration executed federal search warrants at multiple locations in the Tri-Cities, Washington area that resulted in the largest seizure of controlled substances in EDWA history. 

The federal search warrants were based on an ongoing drug trafficking investigation into Amador Sanchez and several co-conspirators. The investigation revealed Sanchez utilized multiple residences, including at least one residence in each of the Tri-Cities, to facilitate and conceal his illegal activities. Notably, Sanchez was on federal supervised release stemming from a previous federal drug trafficking conviction. The investigation is ongoing. Indictments are expected to be presented to a federal grand jury. 

In total, approximately over 200 pounds of methamphetamine, over 164 pounds of powdered fentanyl, and over 5 pounds of cocaine were seized along with approximately $2,000,000 in U.S. Currency and 16 firearms were seized. Please note these are preliminary estimates.

“This momentous drug seizure reflects the tireless work of our law enforcement partners to protect our communities,” stated First Assistant Pete Serrano. “The enormous quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine seized in this case had the potential to cause devastating harm across our region. Our office is committed to aggressively prosecuting those who traffic deadly drugs—especially repeat offenders who continue to endanger public safety. We will continue working closely with our federal, state, and local partners to hold drug traffickers accountable and keep our communities safe.”

“This historic seizure, the largest in the history of the Eastern District of Washington, marks significant progress toward a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “The extraordinary amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine removed from the Tri-Cities area would have devastated families and communities. Through strong enforcement, strategic partnerships, and increased public awareness, DEA remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”

The charges contained in any Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration Tri-Cities Resident Office, which includes state law enforcement partners as well as federal agents from the United States Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Marshals, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice has sentenced Gregory Wilson, 55, of Moses Lake, Washington to a 15-year term of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of court supervision upon his release stemming from his repeated drug trafficking activities.

According to court documents and information discussed during the sentencing hearing, in 2015 Wilson was convicted of selling large quantities of methamphetamine and sentenced to 120 months in federal prison; however, he was released a few years later pursuant to a compassionate release motion, over the United States’ objection, after serving less than half of his initial sentence (1:15-CR-2065-SAB). In his compassionate release motion, Wilson assured the Court he was a changed man—he just wanted to be with his elderly parents and minor child. His term of supervised release was terminated early, over the United States’ objection. 

Within 6 months of the termination of his supervised release, the Moses Lake Police Department received information Wilson was again engaged in significant drug trafficking activities and began the current investigation. A state investigation was initiated in 2023 at which time Moses Lake Streets Crimes Unit conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Wilson and a search of his Moses Lake area residence. He was arrested on state charges and soon bonded out. From evidence obtained during the 2025 federal investigation, it became clear Wilson had never ceased his drug trafficking activities. As the federal investigation progressed, law enforcement was able to locate him traveling from Yakima with a drug load of methamphetamine and fentanyl bound for the Moses Lake community. Based upon the evidence from both the state and federal investigations, he was indicted for his pervasive drug trafficking activities from 2023-2025. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his criminal conduct. 

“Prolific drug traffickers like Mr. Wilson have proven that they will deceive the Court to obtain benefits and reductions they are not entitled to in order to be set free to continue harming our communities,” said First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Reduction programs only work if they are applied to those who are truly qualified. Sadly, what occurred here was the early release of a dangerous Defendant into the community with no safety measures in place to monitor his activities. Thanks to the tireless dedication of our state and federal law enforcement partners and the commitment of our office to bring this Defendant to justice, we were able to remove this threat from the Moses Lake community.”

“Drug traffickers who repeatedly choose to profit by distributing dangerous narcotics in our communities will face the full force of the United States justice system. Let this serve as a clear message to anyone who traffics in deadly drugs: ATF and our law enforcement partners will relentlessly pursue you, dismantle your networks, and hold you accountable for the harm you inflict on our communities. ATF and the Moses Lake PD Street Crimes Unit remain ever vigilant in our fight to keep our Eastern Washington communities safe,” stated Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais.

“I am proud of and thankful for our partnership with ATF as it allows us to amplify our Street Crimes Unit and pursue pervasive drug dealers who choose to distribute their poison into our community,” said Moses Lake Police Department Chief Dave Sands.

This case was investigated by the Moses Lake Police Department Street Crimes Unit in partnership with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.

2:25-CR-00053-TOR-1

Richland, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that on February 2, 2026, federal contractor Hanford Mission Integration Solutions (HMIS) paid $3,450,000 to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of a settlement agreement resolving allegations that HMIS fraudulently overcharged the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for millions of dollars in labor hours.

This settlement with HMIS resolves allegations under the False Claims Act that HMIS’ management was aware of and failed to prevent inflated labor hours being charged to DOE. These hours were paid to HMIS by DOE from federal funds and included payment for labor hours for which HMIS employees were not scheduled or assigned sufficient work to perform.

Since 2020, HMIS has had a multi-billion dollar performance-based prime contract with DOE for infrastructure and site services which are integral and necessary to accomplish the environmental cleanup mission. Under its prime contract with DOE, HMIS receives reimbursement for its claimed allowable costs, including labor. According to the allegations filed in court, HMIS fraudulently inflated reimbursable costs by failing to provide its employees with work assignments sufficient to fill an entire shift and then directed those same employees to record their time as if they had worked the entire shift. This false recording of time resulted in HMIS knowingly submitting false claims for the payment of those labor hours.

Under the settlement agreement entered into with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HMIS admitted that between August 17, 2020, and September 30, 2025, it sought and received reimbursement from DOE for labor hours made up of unallowable excessive idle time. HMIS has further admitted in the settlement agreement that, at times, it did not schedule or assign sufficient work to be performed by its personnel. HMIS has paid a total settlement amount of $3,450,000, of which $1,725,000 is restitution.

“Corporate fraud perpetrated upon the taxpayer at Hanford distracts from DOE’s vital clean up mission,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Serrano. “This resolution shows our continuing commitment to fighting fraud at Hanford and to ensuring that those tasked with the responsibility of essential environmental cleanup do not abuse our trust in them. I am grateful that HMIS ultimately did the right thing by admitting its conduct and paying back twice what it took from the taxpayers. I hope every individual and business that contracts with the federal government sees this settlement and knows there’s a real risk of prosecution when the United States is defrauded.”

In December 2021, a HMIS employee came forward with allegations of labor mischarging by filing a qui tam complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court (EDWA) under the False Claims Act. In May 2024, the same individual, a whistleblower known as a “Relator” under the False Claims Act, came forward with a second qui tam complaint, also filed under seal, making additional allegations of HMIS’ fraud. When a relator files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act requires the United States to investigate the allegations and elect whether to intervene and take over the action or to decline to intervene and allow the relator to go forward with the litigation on behalf of the United States. The relator is generally able to then share in any recovery. This settlement resolves both qui tams filed by the relator. As part of the settlement agreement, the relator will receive $793,500 of the settlement amount and is entitled to have HMIS pay the relator’s attorney fees.

“I thank and commend the relator-whistleblower for bringing serious and credible allegations of fraud to our attention” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Serrano. “Through the relator’s information and the years’ long investigation, we are able to uncover fraud and hold HMIS accountable. I hope the public sees this and understands that when viable information is reported to law enforcement, whether that’s through the filing of an under seal qui tam complaint or stepping forward as a witness, they allow the Department of Justice to do its job and hold fraudsters accountable” continued Serrano.

“The Office of Inspector General remains committed to ensuring the integrity of the Department’s contractors by detecting and holding accountable those who engage in schemes to defraud the Government. The American taxpayers should never be responsible for the costs associated with work that was not performed. This settlement is the result of a collaborative effort with our Office of Investigation’s team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office who have repeatedly demonstrated their dedication to ensure public funds are used for the mission-related purposes for which they are intended,” stated Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions. “I would like to extend my deep gratitude to our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for pursuing this matter as we remain devoted to partner with them to aggressively investigate those who seek to defraud Department programs and American taxpayers.”

The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. The USAO’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman, Jacob E. Brooks, Molly M.S. Smith, and Tyler H.L. Tornabene. The Relator was represented by the law firms of Smith & Lowney, PLLC, Mehri & Skalet PLLC, and Hanford Challenge.
 

Settlement Agreement

4:24-CV-05051-SAB

4:21-CV-05156-SAB

YAKIMA, Washington – Two individuals from the Yakima area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally transporting over 100 temporary foreign agricultural workers over the border of the United States and engaging in both forced labor practices and victim tampering. Cesar Jamie Rebolledo Diaz and Socorro Ramos, both of Yakima, Washington, were charged in a ten-count Indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Yakima, Washington, on February 11, 2026. The United States Marshal Service and other law enforcement agencies are currently attempting to execute the arrest warrants for both Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos.

The federal Indictment alleges that Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos fraudulently obtained 103 temporary work visas under the H-2A program by falsely representing they both worked for Marquez Farms LLC, in Wapato Washington, on documentation submitted to the United States Department of Labor, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the United States Department of State. Additionally, Ramos fraudulently held herself out to the public, while working to obtain temporary work visas, as the co-owner of Marquez Farms LLC.

The Indictment further alleges Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos recruited foreign laborers from Mexico under false pretenses of providing a temporary paying job at Marquez Farms LLC, which they promised included adequate housing, food, paid travel and visas, and predictable location and hours of work. Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos then transported 103 foreign laborers from the border of the United States and Mexico to the Eastern District of Washington. This transportation was done in overcrowded school buses with no available air conditioning or water. Upon arriving in the Eastern District of Washington, some of the workers found themselves without the work promised, and others found themselves working for no pay. Moreover, the workers were not consistently provided food or adequate housing facilities. The Federal Indictment alleges that when authorities from the state of Washington began to investigate how Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos were treating the foreign laborers in their employ, Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos instructed the foreign laborers to remain silent and to report on foreign laborers who were interacting with state investigators.

First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “My office is committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims and protecting the integrity of a federal program vital to the success of our agricultural sector in the Eastern District of Washington.”

Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said, “The Office of Inspector General is unwavering in our commitment to protect the integrity of the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification programs. When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable. At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs — not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.”

The charges contained in this Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Tyler H.L. Tornabene. They were investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.

YAKIMA, Washington – Four individuals from the Yakima and Tri-Cities area have been charged via Superseding Indictment by a federal grand jury for fraudulently obtaining temporary work visas (H-2A visas) and subsequently unlawfully transporting over 500 temporary foreign laborers over the United States/Mexico border and into the Eastern District of Washington.

Francisco Rodriguez Martel, his wife Esmeralda Rodriguez, and Erica Cisneros, all from the Tri-Cities area, and Giovanna Sierra Carrillo, of Yakima, were charged in a fifty-one count Superseding Indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Yakima, Washington, on February 11, 2026.

The Superseding Indictment alleges Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo conspired to fraudulently obtain temporary work visas under the H-2A program by falsely representing to multiple federal agencies that approximately ten agricultural farms in Yakima and Benton Counties needed temporary foreign labor for crop seasons 2022, 2023, and 2024. The defendants operated their farm labor contract business under the name “Harvest Plus.” Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo submitted documentation falsely representing Harvest Plus as a farm labor contractor for various farms located in Sunnyside, Goldendale, Pasco, Wapato, Yakima, and Prescott, Washington. These representations were made on paperwork submitted to the United States Department of Labor, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the United States Department of State. By submitting fraudulent applications with bogus job locations, hours, and wages, and agreeing to provide food, approved housing, safety equipment, fair wages and hours (to include overtime), and coverage for injury or illness, the defendants successfully obtained hundreds of illegitimate temporary H-2A work visas.

The Superseding Indictment also alleges Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo recruited and lured foreign laborers from Mexico with promises of legal employment at various farms in the Eastern District of Washington, which included adequate housing, food, paid travel and visas, and predictable locations and hours of work. Upon arriving in the Eastern District of Washington, many workers found themselves performing non-approved domestic labor, working overtime without pay, were forced to work under extreme heat conditions without access to clean water, and were exposed to chemical pesticide agents without proper protection. Moreover, some laborers found themselves in overcrowded and unapproved housing with no access to kitchen facilities. Additionally, Rodriguez-Martel imposed mandatory illegal housing and food fees.

The Superseding Indictment further alleges Rodriguez-Martel and Esmeralda Rodriguez threatened to call immigration authorities on, and Rodriguez-Martel threatened the physical safety of, the foreign laborers in the employ of Harvest Plus to ensure the foreign laborers did not alert the responsible Washington state agency about the illegal employment practices of the defendants.

Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said, “The Office of Inspector General is unwavering in our commitment to protect the integrity of the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification programs. When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable. At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs — not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.”

“The importance of this case cannot be understated,” said Pete Serrano, First Assistant United States Attorney. “When the United States Attorney’s office receives credible information from investigating agencies that stand as the basis for immigration fraud, we will charge these cases. The United States Attorney’s office will protect these vulnerable victims and the integrity of a vital federal programs, including the H-2A program which is critical to Eastern Washington’s agricultural successes” stated Serrano.

The charges contained in this Superseding Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Tyler H.L. Tornabene. They were investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.

Yakima, Washington –United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Mitchell Jason Ranes aka Cricket, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, age 45, of Toppenish, Washington, to 7 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition. Ranes will also be on federal supervised release for three years after serving his custodial sentence.

According to court records, Ranes pattern of criminal history led to this recent sentence. On September 6, 2000, Ranes was convicted of Drive-By-Shooting and sentenced to 33 months in prison. He was subsequently released, placed on a term of supervised release, violated his term of supervised release and was sent back to prison. On September 17, 2007, Ranes was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and sentenced to 77 months in prison. He was subsequently released, placed on a term of supervised release, again violated his term of supervised release and was again sent back to prison. On January 23, 2024, the Defendant was convicted of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and sentenced to 15 months imprisonment. Ranes was released from prison and on March 25, 2024, began serving a term of supervised release, and for a third time, violated his terms of supervised release and was sentenced to a time served sentence followed by a term of 34 months of supervised release.

Upon his recent release from prison, Ranes again engaged in dangerous conduct. On January 22, 2025, law enforcement officers were looking for Ranes due to an outstanding arrest warrant. Ranes was observed in a vehicle. The driver of the vehicle fled, attempting to elude pursuing police vehicles. After a lengthy car chase, the suspect car crashed near a residence and Ranes was apprehended. Ranes was later booked into the Yakima County jail. During the booking process, 6 rounds of ammunition was in Ranes’ pocket, a new federal crime.

On April 9, 2025, a federal indictment was filed charging Ranes with being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition and on October 17, 2025, he pled guilty to the Indictment.

On February 3, 2026, Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 84 months to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Judge Dimke based her sentence on Ranes’ lengthy criminal history involving firearms and found significant the multiple opportunities he had on prior supervision to attain services for substance abuse which he did not take advantage of and instead had a history of absconding and engaging in new criminal conduct.

United States Attorney Serrano stated, “I’m grateful to our office for pursuing this case. While some may question why the United States would prosecute the possession of ammunition, there is no need to look beyond Mr. Ranes’ persistent firearms-related criminal history. Yakima is now safer with Mr. Ranes off the streets for the next 7 years.”

Lieutenant Church with the Yakima County Sheriff’s state, “This case is a great example of collaboration with fellow law enforcement and federal partners working to get a dangerous person with a significant criminal history off the streets for a significant amount of time. This type of collaboration is what it takes to truly make an impact on public safety in Yakima County. Thanks again to our law enforcement partners and the US Attorney’s Office.”

“Mr. Ranes has a pattern of criminal history dating back over a quarter century in which he repeatedly violated his supervised release and persisted in possessing firearms despite being prohibited from doing so by federal law,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our partners, the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Forces will continue to combat violent crime throughout the state of Washington and nationwide.”

This case was investigated by the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force which consists of agents and task force officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the Toppenish Police Department, and United Stats Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon.

Court Records Establish That MultiCare Endangered Patients and Fraudulently Billed Taxpayers for Medically Unnecessary Spinal Surgeries. MultiCare’s Settlement Follows Federal and State Settlements with Providence Health & Services and Dr. Jason A. Dreyer in Related Actions 

Spokane, WA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington today announced that MultiCare Health System (MultiCare), a Tacoma-based hospital and healthcare system that owns and operates MultiCare Deaconess Hospital (Deaconess) and MultiCare Rockwood Clinic in Spokane, will pay $3,728,000 to resolve federal and state allegations that it knowingly endangered patient safety and falsely and fraudulently billed Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs for spinal surgery procedures performed at Deaconess between 2019 and 2021, by Dr. Jason Dreyer, formerly a licensed physician and MultiCare neurosurgeon.

This settlement with MultiCare comes after two years of successful federal litigation by the United States and the State of Washington,[1] and is part of six years of federal and state investigations, which resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement with Providence Health & Services (Dr. Dreyer’s previous employer) in 2022,[2] and a more than $1.1 million individual settlement with Dr. Dreyer in 2023, which resolved the allegations of the fraud committed while at MultiCare and a nine year exclusion of Dr. Dreyer from Medicare.[3]

In this settlement, MultiCare made factual admissions regarding its conduct, agreeing to pay a total of $3.728 million, $1.6 million of which is restitution, due to the egregious nature of MultiCare’s violations of federal and state law as shown by its own admissions and detailed court records. .[4]  Based on MultiCare’s factual admissions and court records, the investigation and resulting litigation has shown that MultiCare hired, credentialed, and supervised Dr. Dreyer while MultiCare ignored and failed to take appropriate action on numerous red flags, warnings, and specific evidence of Dr. Dreyer’s fraud and endangerment of the public, all while increasing its own revenue with fraudulently obtained tax payer money.  

Significantly, the court records reveal that, within months of Dr. Dreyer starting to operate on patients at MultiCare, two different physician assistants assigned at MultiCare to assist Dr. Dreyer in the operating room raised patient safety concerns directly to MultiCare management.  The first physically walked out of the operating room while Dr. Dreyer was performing surgery, out of fear of patient harm, and immediately complained to MultiCare management.  The second physician assistant also raised patient safety concerns to MultiCare management and resigned from MultiCare rather than continuing to work with Dr. Dreyer for fear of further patient endangerment. Court records show that MultiCare did not stop or curtail Dr. Dreyer’s surgeries based on the serious patient safety concerns of its own medical staff, or multiple other red flags.  MultiCare instead allowed Dr. Dreyer to perform a high volume of medically unnecessary complex spinal surgeries.  Despite knowledge of these concerns about Dr. Dreyer, MultiCare not only permitted Dr. Dreyer to continue performing surgeries, but further incentivized Dr. Dreyer to perform medically unnecessary surgeries quickly by tying his compensation directly to the number of surgeries he performed and their complexity. MultiCare continued to fraudulently bill various federal health care benefit programs for those surgeries.

Several months after two physician assistants reported concerns about Dr. Dreyer, the United States Attorney’s Office directly informed MultiCare that it was investigating concerns that Dr. Dreyer had harmed patients, falsified diagnoses, and performed medically unnecessary surgeries, while working at Providence. The United States Attorney’s Office even supplied documents and evidence to support its concerns. Dr. Dreyer was still permitted to perform surgeries at MultiCare, including the surgery that initiated the present case. Dr. Dreyer was permitted to perform surgeries as a neurosurgeon at MultiCare with little restriction until, over MultiCare’s objection, the Washington State Department of Health summarily restricted Dr. Dreyer from conducting spinal surgeries.

“As the voluminous court records of this case demonstrate, MultiCare had direct knowledge of the danger Dr. Dreyer posed to patients, including through reports made by its own medical staff, and later from explicit warnings from federal investigators,” said Pete Serrano, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.  “MultiCare nonetheless allowed Dr. Dreyer to operate on unsuspecting patients for nearly two years, generating thousands in additional revenue and putting profits before patient safety.  Today, thanks to years of comprehensive investigation and litigation, MultiCare has been held accountable for its role in defrauding the taxpayers and endangering some of the most vulnerable members of our community.”

Court records show that MultiCare signed a prior settlement agreement in August of 2023 resolving these allegations, then backed out of the agreement, and then litigated the case for two years before resolving it with the settlement announced today. “Today’s settlement shows that no matter who you are, from an individual to a large corporation, if you commit fraud and choose to litigate with the United States rather than accept responsibility, you will be held accountable for your violations and you will pay more in the end,” said Serrano.

“The alleged violations by MultiCare show a wanton disregard for ethics and the medical principle to do no harm,” Washington Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This settlement is a win for patient safety and protecting public dollars to get people necessary healthcare.”

“Patients trust that the care that they receive from their health providers is medically necessary and in their best interest,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “When providers perform medically unnecessary surgeries and bill federal health care programs including Medicare and Medicaid for them, they not only violate that trust but also exploit programs designed to protect vulnerable populations. HHS-OIG will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who put their own profits over patient safety.”

“Healthcare providers have a fundamental duty to protect the well-being of their patients, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service will work tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of our service members and their families,” said John Helsing, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Western Field Office.  “This settlement concludes an intensive multi-year investigation and underscores our commitment to holding providers accountable for putting financial gain over patient safety.”

“We will continue to hold accountable those who prioritize profits at the expense of the health and safety of vulnerable patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. “We applaud our law enforcement partners and colleagues at the Department of Justice for their dedicated work to protect the welfare of the millions of Americans who rely on our federal health care programs, including the FEHBP.”

“This settlement highlights our steadfast commitment to ensuring high-quality healthcare for veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG is grateful for the support of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in this case.”

“This is the culmination of a multi-year, multi-agency, collaborative effort to fight egregious health care fraud directly impacting patient safety in Eastern Washington.  For years Dr. Dreyer, and both MultiCare and Providence, the hospitals that employed him and unleashed him on an unsuspecting public, endangered and harmed our friends and neighbors while lining their own pockets with taxpayer money,” said First Assistant Serrano.  “We could not have held this individual accountable, nor the hospitals that knowingly profited from the fraud, without a dedicated multi-agency team. It is that team that has forced those responsible to pay tens of millions of dollars, stopped Dr. Dreyer from being able to continue harming patients, and that brought the truth of what happened out from the corporate shadows and into the light of day. I’m grateful for the close collaboration we have had with our partners at the Washington Medicaid Fraud Control Division, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General,” continued First Assistant Serrano. 

This court case began in April 2022, when a former patient of Dr. Dreyer’s at MultiCare, Dr. Deannette Palmer, filed a qui tam complaint under seal in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.[5]  The joint investigation and litigation was conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington; the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Spokane Resident Office; the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Seattle Field Office; and the State of Washington Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Derek Taylor and health care fraud contractor Echo Fatsis of the Eastern District of Washington handled this matter for the United States.  Assistant Attorney Generals Rachel Sterett and Adam McGerty of the Washington State Attorney General’s Office handled this matter for Washington. 

Settlement Agreement

2:22-cv-00068-SAB

[1] On January 26, 2024, the United States and the State of Washington filed their Complaint-in-Intervention. United States and State of Washington File False Claims Act Complaint Against MultiCare for Knowingly Endangering Patients and Fraudulently Billing for Spinal Surgery Procedures, U.S. Dept. Just. (Jan. 26, 2024), https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/united-states-and-state-washington-file-false-claims-act-complaint-against-multicare

[2] Providence Health & Services Agrees to Pay $22.7 Million to Resolve Liability From Medically Unnecessary Neurosurgery Procedures at Providence St. Mary’s Medical Center, U.S. Dept. Just. (Apr. 12, 2022), https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/providence-health-services-agrees-pay-227-million-resolve-liability-medically

[3] Former Physician to Pay More than $1.1 Million to Resolve Allegations He Performed Medically Unnecessary Procedures, U.S. Dept. Just. (Apr. 24, 2023), https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/former-physician-pay-more-11-million-resolve-allegations-he-performed-medically

[4] Due to the voluminous nature of the referenced court records below, this press release includes hyperlinks to the specific court records relied upon. The primary court records referred to are found at ECF No. 16, ECF No. 64, and ECF No. 71. 

[5]When a whistleblower, or “relator,” files a qui tam complaint, the False Claims Act generally allows the relator to share in any recovery.  In the settlement agreement announced today, the relator, Dr. Palmer, will receive 17% of the settlement amount, $633,760.  Dr. Palmer was represented by the Gilbert Law Firm of Spokane.  In addition to receiving a share of the settlement amount, relators are also entitled to have all of their attorney fees and costs in the action paid by the defendant in successful False Claims Act qui tam case like this one.

Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on January 21, 2026, United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell sentenced Tawhnee Willow Colvin, of Davenport, Washington, to one year and a day following her conviction on twenty-six counts of bank fraud and embezzlement from a tribal organization. Colvin will also serve five years of supervised released and is required to pay $100,830 in restitution to the Spokane Tribe of Indians.

Colvin was convicted by a jury on all twenty-six counts charged following a trial in September 2025. As evidence presented at the trial established, Colvin was employed as Assistant Director of the Spokane Tribe of Indians’ Department of Health and Human Services and Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). As part of her position as Assistant Director of DCFS, Colvin had access to the Spokane Tribe of Indians bank account which held per capita funds to be used for the care of needy children who were in temporary custody of the Tribe. Between October 2019 and November 2023, Colvin abused her position of trust to make more than seventy fraudulent money transfers, starting with small transfers until she eventually transferred thousands of dollars at a time, totaling over $50,000, from the DCFS bank account to her own personal bank account. She also took out over $50,000 cash from the same bank account. Colvin was terminated from her position at the Tribe on October 23, 2023, but even after her termination she continued to fraudulently transfer funds to her personal account.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Pennell noted that the evidence of Colvin’s guilt was overwhelming and showed that instead of using the money for the benefit of children in foster care, Colvin took it for herself.

“In an egregious breach of trust and solely for her own personal interest, Ms. Colvin exploited her position as the Assistant Director of DCFS for the Spokane Tribe of Indian to steal thousands of dollars from vulnerable children over a period of years,” stated First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Brazenly, Ms. Colvin continued her crimes even after the Tribe terminated her employment. Sadly, it remains unknown how many children Ms. Colvin harmed through her crimes. The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful for the diligent efforts of the FBI who investigated this case, the trust and collaboration of the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the prosecutors and staff at our office who ensured Ms. Colvin was brought to justice.”

“For years, Ms. Colvin abused the faith placed in her as a public servant to steal tribal funds intended to care for children in foster care,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “For her own personal gain, she stole more than $100,000, leaving the account almost completely drained. Every one of these dozens of transfers diverted resources away from the most vulnerable members of our society and into her pockets. The FBI is committed to holding accountable fraudsters who choose greed instead of safeguarding the funds under their stewardship.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley.

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Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that United States District Judge Rebecca Pennell sentenced Steven E. Graham, age 40, of Wenatchee, Washington, to 17 years of prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following his sentence, Graham be on supervised release for 10 years. Graham was found guilty on July 30, 2025, following a jury trial.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in late November 2023, Graham was serving a term of community custody supervision from a prior state drug conviction. Members of the Columbia River Drug Task Force were investigating Graham not only for drug trafficking, but because Graham had an open warrant from the Washington State Department of Corrections due to one or more violations of his community custody supervision.

Investigators learned that Graham was staying in a room at the Red Lion motel in Wenatchee, Washington. After conducting surveillance and observing evidence of drug trafficking, investigators obtained a search warrant for Graham’s room and a vehicle Graham was using. The warrant was executed on November 29, 2023, after investigators observed Graham and others moving luggage from the motel room to the vehicle. Defendant was arrested and investigators seized over 7,000 fentanyl-laced pills, over 170 grams of methamphetamine, four firearms, and approximately $19,000 in cash from Graham’s luggage and person.

Graham was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions. Graham qualified as “career offender” under federal sentencing provisions.

First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “Steven Graham posed a significant danger to the Wenatchee Valley and we appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Graham, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.”

“Graham’s lengthy sentence exemplifies the impact of strong law enforcement partnerships in safeguarding our communities from repeat offenders who threaten public safety by trafficking dangerous drugs and deadly weapons,” said HSI Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “HSI Seattle commends the exceptional collaboration demonstrated by our partners in the Columbia River Drug Task Force. Through our united efforts, we have ensured that a significant threat has been removed and public safety restored for the people we serve.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Columbia River Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich. 

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Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.

According to Court documents, the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had an active drug trafficking investigation into Crause who was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Based on that investigation officers obtained search warrants for his residence and vehicle. Those warrants were executed on October 8, 2024 at which time, officers located multiple controlled substances to include over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Also found during the search, were multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause. In addition, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle and Crause’s person.

“Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community.” Stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. “Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community.”

“Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.”

Detective Brian Eckersley said that he is very proud of the hard-working Detectives in the Spokane Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. They work many long nights putting these cases together. The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution. This prosecution was even more rewarding for us, because we stopped, Crause from trafficking fentanyl. After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped. He clearly used personal protection equipment when handling the fentanyl. However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child, who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

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Yakima, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced David Allen Vickers, age 53, of Yakima, Washington, to 150 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Vickers will also be on federal supervised release for three years after serving his custodial sentence.

The following information was made public during the legal proceedings.  Between 1991 and 2020, Vickers was convicted of multiple criminal offenses, including Driving under the Influence, Residential Burglary, Third Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Assault, Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Obstruction, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Forgery.

In 2020, Vickers was charged in State court with Residential Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, and Third Degree Assault. On May 17, 2023, he was permitted to resolve the charges by entering into a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (SOSA) program.

On June 21, 2023, while serving a term of State community custody supervision for the above, Vickers was found sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle on the roadway.  Officers with the Yakima Police Department approached the vehicle and woke him. One of the officers believed he was intoxicated.  An officer asked Vickers to step out of the vehicle for a field sobriety test.  As he exited the vehicle, an officer saw what he believed to be Vickers tossing a gun into the backseat.  Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found a loaded firearm in the rear of the vehicle.  Officers also found several pills in Vickers’ pocket.  Officers ran a check and learned that he had a lengthy criminal history and was the subject of an arrest warrant for violating conditions of his SOSA program.

On September 12, 2023, a federal Grand Jury returned an indictment that charged Vickers with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On July 29, 2025, he pled guilty to the Indictment.  On the same day, he was released over the government’s objection.  Within three weeks, he cut off his GPS monitoring device and fled.  In early August 2025, the United States Marshals Service arrested him in the Western District of Washington.   

First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano drew a stark difference between the rights of law-abiding citizens and convicted felons to possess firearms: “It is well established that law-abiding American citizens have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.  Law-abiding citizens who own firearms are often fierce advocates for gun safety and routinely support restricting dangerous felons from possessing firearms. Mr. Vickers is not such a person. He possessed illegal drugs and has more than 30 prior misdemeanor and/or felony convictions.  His conduct makes him a danger to the community and has justifiably resulted in him being prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms. The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to defending all citizens’ rights under our Constitution, and to seeking appropriate accountability for individuals who pose a danger to the community.”   

“Mr. Vickers’ criminal history is staggering, and his habitual disregard for the law shows he has not learned from his prior sentences. By holding offenders like Mr. Vickers accountable, ATF, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are helping protect our communities and reinforcing that those who illegally possess firearms and endanger public safety will be held accountable.”

This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”), and the United States Marshals Service.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon.

First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on December 17, 2025, Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, age 57, of Brewster, Washington, pleaded guilty in Eastern District of Washington to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead.

In June 2021, Philips Respironics initiated a recall for certain CPAP and BiPAP devices due to potential health risks associated with the foam used in the devices for sound abatement.  The potential health risks identified at the time included inflammatory response, asthma, nausea or vomiting, and toxic or cancer-causing effects.  

Based on court documents, between July 2021 and July 2023, Dr. Haeger purchased through online resellers and caused to be shipped to the Eastern District of Washington over 500 used and recalled CPAP and BiPAP devices.  Dr. Haeger and others at his direction would then open the devices, attempt to remove the foam using screw drivers, hooks, and other tools, and then put the devices back together.  This conduct occurred in locations that were not designed or operated as clean rooms for the purpose of manufacturing medical devices.

Dr. Haeger and staff at his sleep clinic under his control and supervision would then provide the recalled devices to Washington State Medicaid patients.  Staff at the sleep clinic under Dr. Haeger’s direction and control would then bill the used, recalled devices to Medicaid with the false and fraudulent representation that they were actually new devices that were in good working order.

Dr. Haeger is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on March 24, 2026.  The Plea Agreement can be found here

The case is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Washington State Medicaid Fraud Control Division, the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.  

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Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on December 10, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Frederick Daniel Stensgar, age 61, of Inchelium, Washington, to 33 months in prison for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Dating Partner in Indian Country, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 113(a)(7) and 1153. Judge Rice also ordered that, following imprisonment, Stensgar must serve three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on April 20, 2025, Stensgar struck his intimate partner with a dangerous weapon with intent to cause her bodily harm. As a result, she suffered serious bodily injury to the back of her right hand. The victim disclosed that, during an argument on the morning of Easter, Stensgar told her she needed to get out of his face, or he was going to do something to her. Stensgar grabbed an object and was going to hit the victim in the face, so she put her hand up to block the strike and it sliced her hand open. The victim was transported to a hospital, where it was determined she sustained a seven-centimeter, v-shaped laceration on the back of her right hand.

Additionally, according to court documents, Stensgar’s criminal history includes multiple convictions for violent crimes, including domestic violence. This is Stensgar’s third criminal conviction for assaulting his intimate partner.

First Assistant United States Attorney Serrano said, “This case exemplifies the mission of our office to ensure the criminal justice system protects victims and the public as a whole from people like Stensgar who perpetrate violence against their intimate partners, often in secret within the home.”

“Mr. Stensgar’s repeated violence is horrifying and inexcusable, especially since it was directed against his long-term partner in their shared home,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “In this incident, his violent attack caused severe injury necessitating hospital treatment. The FBI and our tribal partners will continue to combat violent crime on tribal lands together, as we do throughout the state of Washington.”

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen.

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Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Dr. Duncan Lahtinen, a licensed physician, has paid $120,000.00 in penalties to resolve allegations that he wrote prescriptions for controlled substances that lacked legitimate medical purposes or were outside the usual course of his professional practice.

Between 2017 and 2025, Dr. Lahtinen issued over 1,400 prescriptions for controlled substances to thirteen identified patients, many of which were issued in some combination of opioids, benzodiazepines, sedatives, and carisoprodol.  These combinations of controlled substances are dangerous and highly abused by those with substance use disorders.  In issuing the prescriptions, the United States alleged Dr. Lahtinen failed to address numerous red flags of substance abuse by his patents.  The United States contended that Dr. Lahtinen’s conduct rendered him liable to the United States for civil penalties and damages under the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act.  Dr. Lahtinen had previously been sanctioned twice by the Washington Department of Health for improper controlled substance prescribing practices.

“Doctors are highly educated and sophisticated individuals who are trusted with the ability to prescribe controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes. When a doctor abuses that power, they trade all the principles of patient care and become drug dealers in white coats. The United States Attorney’s Office will investigate and hold accountable physicians who prescribe controlled substances in this manner,” said First Assistant Serrano.

“DEA holds physicians who prescribe controlled substances to a very high standard so they do not become drug dealers with a medical license,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Dr. Lahtinen failed to uphold this standard and DEA and our partners held him accountable.”

“Physicians who distribute controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice undermine the ongoing public health efforts to address the opioid crisis and the safety and well-being of the public,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McIntosh of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to relentlessly investigate such allegations to protect patients, the public, and American taxpayers from this dangerous conduct.”

The settlement can be found here. 

The settlement was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, Seattle Field Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy Kelley of the Eastern District of Washington handled this matter on behalf of the United States. 

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Andrew Norris Zack, age 43, of Wapato, Washington, was sentenced to 40 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release by Chief United States District Court Judge Stanley A. Bastian. Zack pled guilty to Accessory After the Fact for his role in the 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong and to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm in a separate matter from 2019.

According to court documents and information presented at sentencing, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot and killed Rosenda Strong on or about October 5, 2018, following an argument at a residence, known as the House of Souls in Wapato, Washington. Following the murder, Moreno asked for help disposing of Strong’s body. Zack and Jamaal Antwan Pimms assisted Moreno by rolling Strong’s body into a freezer. The freezer, and other appliances, were loaded onto the back of a truck. The body, still inside the freezer, was then dumped by Zack and others near M&R Towing, which is off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington.

On July 4, 2019, approximately nine months after Strong’s tragic death, a citizen discovered human remains, which later were identified through dental records as belonging to Strong.

In the 2019 Felon in Possession matter, Zack was found to have been in possession of a loaded Ruger .22 revolver following the execution of a search warrant on a residence in September, 2019.

“Rosenda Strong was ruthlessly murdered. This Defendant was part of trying to keep that murder silenced” stated US Attorney Pete Serrano. “Working alongside our state and tribal partners we were able to keep Rosenda’s voice alive and ensure that her family’s requests for justice were also heard. While this outcome will not bring Rosenda back to life, I hope it allows justice to stand as part of her memory. I’d like to thank our law enforcement partner agencies and the people in my office for their hard work and dedication in bringing this important case to tell Rosenda Strong’s story.”

“More than seven years after this senseless murder, another defendant is being sentenced for helping to conceal the crime in an attempt to evade justice," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "The FBI and our partners are committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout the entire state of Washington, and we are dedicated to pursuing justice for victims and their grieving families and communities no matter how long it takes.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by presented for prosecution by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the investigation was assisted by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington State Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.

Jamaal Antwan Pimms pleaded guilty to Misprision of a Felony in this case and was sentenced to 26 months in prison on May 28, 2025. Remaining Co- Defendants are pending sentencing.

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Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 16, 2025, Shane Dee Caldwell, age 39 of Asotin, Washington pleaded guilty in the Eastern District of Washington to one misdemeanor count of disturbing an archaeological resource within the Umatilla National Forest.

Based on court documents, between June 30, 2023, and August 31, 2023, Caldwell visited an archaeological site within the Umatilla National Forest and used various tools to collect a rock believed to be an artifact and to dig for additional artifacts. The affected area is located within the traditional homeland of the Nez Perce (Nimiipuu) Tribe, located on the “Great Nez Perce Trail,” a trade and travel network that was created as hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, and children fled U.S. Army Generals in 1877. Local tribe members are the descendants of the individuals who have utilized the area for at least 5,000 years and likely longer. Previously, artifacts dating from 5,000 to 200 years before present have been observed and documented within the affected area by Forest Service archaeologists. Archaeologists for the U.S. National Forest Service and the Nez Perce Tribe conducted an archaeological site assessment of the area Caldwell was seen on camera visiting. Archaeologists estimated that the archaeological value of the identified area totaled nearly $28,000. The Archaeologists further estimated that the cost of restoration and repair to the identified area would be nearly $6,000. 

Figure 1:  Archaeologist looks at one identified pit. Note bucket impression and boot footprint in foreground. 

On February 8, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Caldwell’s residence. During the execution of the search warrant, law enforcement recovered 522 pieces of suspected Native American artifacts. Of those items, 514 were determined to be Native American artifacts. Archeologists agreed that the overwhelming majority of the artifacts were consistent with the type found within the archaeological site. The search also yielded Nez Perce National Forest and Umatilla National Forest maps with circled areas known to have been used by Native Americans and would likely yield archeological artifacts. 

As part of the plea agreement between Caldwell and the United States, Caldwell agreed to not claim any interest in the assets seized on February 8, 2024. The U.S. Forest Service is working with the Nez Perce Tribe to return the artifacts to the Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Program. 

At Caldwell’s change of plea and sentencing hearing, Magistrate Judge Alex C. Ekstrom recognized that “There has been, historically in the United States, a lack of respect for items that belong to First Nation folks, and it has been a blind spot in the United States for a long period of time.” Judge Ekstrom further acknowledged the reasonable frustrations of tribes at the continuing theft of these items. Caldwell apologized for his actions and hoped to be forgiven. 

“The individual pursuit and hunt for artifacts and archaeological resources is a harmful and destructive action that erases invaluable pieces of the history of Native Americans. My office takes seriously the disturbance and theft of any Indian cultural items or sites and will continue to hold accountable those who illegally excavate, take, possess, or traffic in such items,” stated U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano. 

“The Forest Service is committed to upholding our trust and treaty responsibilities with Tribal Nations and protecting cultural and archaeological resources on national forest lands. These resources are irreplaceable and safeguarding them is central to honoring our government-to-government relationships,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Canuto Molina from the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region. “We appreciate the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Nez Perce Tribe in bringing this case forward and ensuring these sites remain protected for future generations.” 

“The Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Program is reassured that some level of accountability has been rendered for willful damage and removal of Archaeological Resources from the Umatilla National Forest, which is within the traditional territory and ceded lands of the Nez Perce Tribe.” Stated Nakia Williamson, the Director of the Nez Perce Tribe Cultural Resource Program. “The 522 artifacts that have been seized will be restored to the Nez Perce Tribe and will be taken care of according to traditional protocols. As the original people of this Land, The Nez Perce community view this act as not only ‘Disturbing Archaeological Resources’ within a National Forest, but also ignoring and undermining our basic humanity as a living culture, which is connected to the land and resources managed by the U.S. Forest Service. These are not simply ‘resources’ to our community, but are a testament to our enduring connection to federally managed lands and a reminder of our collective responsibilities to take care of the Land which provides for all of us.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service. The case was prosecuted by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Ohms, Contract Law Clerk Echo D. Fatsis, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler H.L. Tornabene. 

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Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Darren Bowannie, age 35, to 168 months in federal prison after Bowannie pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of an Inmate in Federal Custody. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Bowannie be placed on a ten-year term of supervised release.

According to court documents, on February 9, 2024, Bowannie was working as a corrections officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Wellpinit, Washington. Bowannie was assigned to transport a female inmate from Wellpinit to the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem, Washington. During the transport, Bowannie pulled the vehicle over and sexually assaulted the victim, who was bound by hand and foot restraints. After arriving at the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility, the victim immediately reported the sexual assault, resulting in an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Despite Bowannie lying about the sexual assault when interviewed by the FBI, Bowannie’s DNA was recovered on the victim’s person, thereby confirming and corroborating the victim’s account of what had happened.

“Every person taken into custody is entitled to the protection of their physical safety and civil rights. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is dedicated to rooting out sexual misconduct committed by any individuals entrusted with public safety and ensuring those individuals are held accountable,” said BIA Office of Justice Services Deputy Bureau Director Richard Melville. “The actions of Mr. Bowannie were a betrayal of that public trust, and we fully supported the investigation and prosecution of this intolerable act. The BIA remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals in our custody.”

“Every federal law enforcement officer takes an oath to protect the people of the United States, including inmates and defendants placed in their charge,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Mr. Bowannie broke that oath with a cruel and senseless act of sexual violence. The FBI remains committed in our mission to prosecute those who would abuse the power granted to them under the color of law.”

United States Attorney Pete Serrano, stated, “I commend the victim for coming forward and reporting the assault. Their bravery allowed the government to prosecute Mr. Bowanie and ensure he is no longer in a position of trust where he may try to commit similar conduct.” 

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Colville Tribal Police Department, the Spokane Tribal Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis and Timothy M. Durkin, Assistant United States Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.

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Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 14, 2025, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an Indictment charging Anna Elperin, age 42, with 26 felony counts relating to prescriptions for controlled substances and Department of Transportation commercial driver’s licenses physical examinations Elperin wrote and performed at her former clinic, Awake Health, PLLC, in Ellensburg, Washington, between July 2018 and September 2022.

Elperin was arrested by federal law enforcement officers on November 21, 2025, and made her initial appearance in federal magistrate court on November 24, 2025.

The Indictment alleges that Elperin was involved in two separate fraudulent schemes. First, Elperin falsified medical examinations for commercial driver’s license applicants. According to court documents, Elperin, who was a trained and certified medical examiner eligible to perform Department of Transportation physicals, improperly performed physical examinations and then certified candidates for commercial driver’s licenses were physically qualified for such licenses when they in fact were not. Moreover, Elperin failed to transmit data about the certifications she signed to the Department of Transportation as required. Second, Elperin issued false and fraudulent prescriptions for controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice and for no legitimate medical purpose, occasionally prescribing her staff prescriptions which she herself would take from the staff member. According to court documents, Elperin had a pre-signed prescription pad at her clinic, Awake Health, and permitted staff members to write themselves prescriptions for controlled substances. Moreover, Elperin herself signed prescriptions for controlled substances for staff and others which Elperin then requested the individual return to Elperin for her own use.

“This investigation has been ongoing for a long time, and I am proud to work with such diligent investigative agencies who are focused on public safety, especially with the current environment of public concerns related to motor carrier qualifications and safety” stated Mr. Serrano. 

Elperin has been charged with Conspiracy to Defraud the Department of Transportation (Count 1); Making a False Writing or Document (Counts 2-7); Falsification of Federal Records (Counts 8-13); Conspiracy to Dispense Controlled Substances and to Acquire Controlled Substances by Misrepresentation, Fraud, or Deception (Count 14); False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters (Counts 15-17); Dispensing and Distribution of Controlled Substances (Counts 18-22); and Acquiring or Obtaining a Controlled Substance by Misrepresentation, Fraud, or Deception (Counts 23-26).

 A hearing for Elperin’s detention pending trial was held on November 26, 2025. Prior to the detention hearing, the United States Attorney’s Office filed two detention motions arguing for Elperin’s detention. The United States proffered that Elperin was frequently visibly impaired at work at Awake Health and had threatened and intimidated staff members, including with a firearm. At the detention hearing, Magistrate Judge Alex C. Ekstrom highlighted that there was currently no evidence that any of Elperin’s substance or alcohol abuse, which underlined the charged offenses, had been addressed. Judge Ekstrom further expressed concerns about Elperin’s substance and alcohol use, mental health, and acts of ensconcing herself in her house to further her addiction. Magistrate Judge Ekstrom detained Elperin pending trial.

“This indictment highlights our unwavering commitment to exposing and pursuing fraudulent conduct by medical professionals in the motor carrier industry who are willing to jeopardize public safety,” said Cory LeGars, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Western Region. “Working closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to aggressively prevent, detect, and prosecute actions that undermine the integrity of DOT’s safety programs.”

“DEA holds physicians who prescribe controlled substances to a very high standard so they do not become drug dealers with a medical license,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Not only did Dr. Elperin fail to uphold this standard, in some instances she obtained the controlled substances for her personal use. We are proud of the work of DEA and our partners for holding her accountable.”

Unrelated to the federal investigation, in December 2021 and September 2022, respectively, the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery and the Washington State Department of Health restricted Elperin’s medical license. 

 
This case is being investigated jointly by the Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten, and contractor Echo D. Fatsis.

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

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More information can be found on the Washington State Department of Health Website: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/kittitas-county-osteopathic-physicians-license-suspended-based-additional-charges. 

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced today that Jason Foster Frank, age 54, was sentenced for one count each of Attempted Online Enticement, Possession of Child Pornography, and Commission of a Felony Sex Offense by an Individual Required to Register as a Sex Offender. Frank pleaded guilty to the first two crimes on March 25, 2025, and was convicted after a trial on the third crime. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Frank to 35 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. Judge Dimke also ordered $10,000 in restitution be paid to one of Frank’s victims.

According to court documents, Frank responded to an advertisement posted by undercover law enforcement in June 2023, in which two young girls were stated to be available for sex. Frank expressed sexual interest in the minors during various communications with an undercover officer posing as the mother of the girls. For a week, Frank engaged with undercover officers, arranged to meet for the purpose of sex with the two minor girls. Frank was ultimately arrested after he arrived at a prearranged meeting location in Stevens County.

In Frank’s vehicle, law enforcement agents found two phones. One phone Frank used to communicate with his probation officer; on the other, law enforcement agents observed child pornography images and videos of very young children.

Frank was previously convicted in 2008 in Virginia of two counts of Carnal Knowledge of a Child Between 13 and 15 Years of Age, one count of Attempted Carnal Knowledge of a Child Between 13 and 15 years of age, and three counts of Use of Communications Systems to Facilitate Certain Offenses Involving Children. As a result of these convictions, Frank was required to register as a sex offender under federal and state law.

Mr. Serrano expressed gratitude for the 35-year sentencing, stating, “Today’s sentence of 35 years of a 54-year-old man demonstrates the seriousness of Mr. Frank’s actions. It also shows our office’s efforts to ensure that Mr. Frank will not have a chance harm another child. We’re thankful to our partner agencies for their great investigation and to the Judge for sentencing Mr. Frank in a way that protects the children of our communities.”

“Cases such as this are a perfect example of what cooperation between local, State, and Federal partners can yield,” said Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke. “Coming together as a team, we were able to take a potentially dangerous predator off the streets. The Stevens County Sheriff's Office values the relationship we have with all our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.”

“Frank’s 35-year sentence ensures he can no longer act upon his disturbing sickness and harm children,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “This case proves our team of law enforcement professionals and partners will relentlessly pursue anyone who targets the innocent.”

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

This case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, resulting in charges filed by the Stevens County Prosecutor’s Office as well as federal charges. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

2:24-cr-00051-MKD

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced today that Michael Avila Espinoza, age 34, was sentenced for two counts of Production of Child Pornography. Espinoza pleaded guilty on June 11, 2025. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Espinoza to 23 years in prison, followed by a life term of supervised release. Judge Rice also imposed a $15,000 assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.

According to court documents, Espinoza met with and engaged in sex with two minor females, one as young as 12 years of age, and recorded the child rapes on his cell phone. Espinoza was identified during the course of a state sexual assault investigation involving one of Espinoza’s victims. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Espinoza’s social media and found communications between Espinoza and his minor victims that made it clear Espinoza met with the minors several times for sex. Investigators also observed in Espinoza’s social media records the sexually explicit videos Espinoza created and additional sexually explicit photos of the victims solicited by Espinoza. When the victims were interviewed, they confirmed that Espinoza offered and paid them small amounts of money in exchange for sex.

“It is difficult to imagine more violative conduct than the sexual assault of multiple minors, but here Defendant multiplied the horrors of his crimes by commodifying his child victims, and by recording his acts of violence against them,” said United States Attorney Serrano. “In a civilized society, it is everyone’s job to protect the innocent and the vulnerable. The United States Attorney’s Office stands with child victims and prioritizes their protection from sexual predators like Defendant. A 23-year sentence is significant, and demonstrates the collaborative partnerships of local, state, and federal law enforcement colleagues who work tirelessly to protect our communities.”

“Espinoza’s sentencing—23 years in federal prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release—reflects the profound harm caused by the defendant’s crimes, including his abuse of minors in the production of child sexual exploitation material,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of HSI special agents from HSI Yakima and HSI Wenatchee, who supported our local law enforcement partners, this threat to children has been removed from our communities and will be closely monitored for the rest of his life. HSI remains unwavering in our commitment to stop the vile crime of child exploitation.”

“This negotiated sentence accomplishes several of the goals the State hopes for—it encompasses crimes from multiple jurisdictions, with multiple victims, holds the defendant accountable at a high level, and protects the victims from having to speak about and relive the trauma of what the defendant did to them multiple times.” Said Deputy Prosecutor Micaela Meadow. “Chelan County is grateful to our federal counterparts for assisting in and taking on these difficult cases where we may not be able to accomplish those goals at the State level.”

“Protecting the safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable, is our highest priority. We are grateful for the partnership that helped bring this offender to justice,” stated Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Tyler I. Caille.

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

This case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations, the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

2:23-cr-00030-TOR

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Shawn De Sun Speedis, age 19, to 30 months in prison for Attempted Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child Under 12 years of Age in Indian Country. Judge Bastain further sentenced Speedis to 5 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. As a result of this conviction, Speedis also will be required to register as a sex offender.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on October 31, 2024, after the child returned home from trick-or-treating, and her mother had left their residence, Speedis asked the child if she wanted to see and touch his penis. When the child refused, Speedis continued to try and coerce the child. The child repeatedly told Speedis that she did not want to do what he asked. Speedis then exposed himself to the child. The child victim was eleven years old at the time of the offense.

“The sexual abuse of children is some of the most heinous criminal conduct that we face as a community,” said US Attorney Pete Serrano. “My office will continue to work alongside our tribal, state and federal partners to stand up for victims of sexual crimes and against those who seek to prey on the most vulnerable people in our community. No one can give the victim back what the Defendant took, but this significant sentence, along with Defendant’s ongoing supervision upon release, and his required registration as a sex offender reflects our commitment to prioritize these investigations and these victims.”

“Mr. Speedis turned Halloween evening last year into a profoundly traumatic experience for this child: a predator seeking to sexually abuse her in her own home," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "We hope this prison sentence and sex offender registration will serve as a warning to all that this behavior has long-lasting consequences.”

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.

1:25-cr-02057-SAB

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 6, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Idris Haith, age 47, of Wellpinit, Washington, to 30 months in prison for Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender in Indian Country. Judge Rice also ordered that, following imprisonment, Haith must serve three years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on September 26, 2024, Haith’s intimate partner, a Native American woman with whom Haith shares several children in common, called 911 emergency response and reported that Haith struck her, choked her, and threatened to kill her at a residence on the Spokane Indian Reservation. The victim said she confronted Haith about cheating on her and they both became mad and aggressive. The victim said Haith hit her face then began to strangle her. Law enforcement officers on scene observed the victim had scratches on the left side of her neck and blood on the left side of her lips.

Haith’s conduct is part of a pattern of assaulting the same victim. Haith has been convicted twice before for assaulting the same victim. The prior convictions occurred in the Spokane Municipal Court in 2012 and 2014. A person is considered a “habitual offender” within the meaning of 18 U.S.C. § 117 if, like Haith, he or she has two prior, separate, and final convictions in other court proceedings for assaults against an intimate partner.

“The Spokane Tribal Police Department commends the outstanding work of our team and the strong collaboration we share with neighboring jurisdictions. The Spokane Tribe remains firmly committed to thoroughly investigating and effectively assisting in the prosecution of crimes committed by non-Natives in Indian Country. We take all allegations of domestic violence and other serious assaults against Native American women with the utmost seriousness.” Stated Clint G. Kieffer, Chief of Police for the Spokane Tribal Police Department. “The Spokane Tribal Police Department will continue to pursue every case to the fullest extent of the law to safeguard the safety and well-being of our community.”

“This significant sentence reflects the serious nature of the offender’s ongoing pattern of abuse. Domestic violence is rarely a single event – more often is arises as repeated violations of trust, safety, and basic human dignity, as happened here. When individuals continue to harm their partners or family members despite prior intervention, stronger judicial action becomes necessary. Domestic violence and intimate partner abuse will continue to be a priority for this Office and I am grateful for our tribal partners, the FBI, and the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office for their tireless pursuit of justice for victims of these offenses.”

“Mr. Haith not only has a history of domestic violence, but those assaults have repeatedly been directed at the same victim,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Even worse, that person is his partner and mother of his children. The FBI and our partners are committed to combatting violent crime in Washington state, including on tribal lands, to keep our families and communities safe.”

The case was investigated by the Spokane Tribal Police Department, the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.

2:24-cr-00179-TOR

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 18, 2025, Jason Alexander Logie, age 36, of Wapato, Washington, was sentenced to 405 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Logie was convicted of Second Degree Murder following a jury trial and guilty verdict August 20, 2025.

According to court documents and information presented at trial, while driving under the influence of alcohol, Logie crossed the center line on North Track Road within the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation on the afternoon of September 9, 2023, striking an on-coming vehicle in its own lane of travel. The driver of the vehicle died as a result of the collision. At the time of the collision, Logie was subject to a deferred sentence for driving under the influence of alcohol from the Yakama Nation Tribal Court based upon a December 2022 arrest and was on conditions of release issued by Yakima County District Court for another DUI charge from a September 2022 incident. Logie had several previous convictions for alcohol-related driving as well as completing two separate deferred sentences for similar crimes. He was also subject to an arrest warrant for DUI, Second Offense, issued in 2018 by the city of Lawrence, Kansas.

At sentencing, Logie requested a sentence of 66 months in prison. Prosecutors requested a sentence of 405 months in prison. In pronouncing a sentence of 405 months, Chief Judge Bastian noted Logie’s history of DUI prosecutions and that he had over twenty-one failures to appear and several failures to comply before multiple courts.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “One of my top priorities as U.S. Attorney is to continue to strengthen our relationship with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. Partnering with these agencies strengthens our prosecution of cases like this, where a repeat offender will be held accountable for his careless actions that cost an innocent victim their life. Repeat offenders like this are a direct threat to our communities and I am thankful for the efforts of our Tribal, state and federal partners to bring justice to this victim and their family.”

This case was investigated and presented for prosecution by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the investigation was assisted by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington State Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.

1:24-cr-02059-SAB

United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that while the Government was shut down, the United States Attorney’s Office continued to work important cases focused on those who take advantage of our communities through Fraud, Waste and Abuse. The following are impactful cases that have occurred during the shutdown.

Wenatchee, WA- Wenatchee Man Sentenced to Thirty Months Imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft and False Statements in Passport Application. On September 24, 2025, District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon Wilkerson, of Wenatchee, Washington, to thirty months in prison for aggravated identity theft and false statements on a passport application. As set out in court documents, in October 2021, Wilkerson attempted to get a passport in his name but was denied in January 2022 because he was subject to a pending state warrant of arrest for felony unlawful possession of a firearm under Washington state law. In March 2022, Wilkerson stole his brother’s identity and applied for a passport under his brother’s name which was subsequently approved unknowing of the fraud. Wilkerson then used the passport to travel to Brazil, where he married a Brazilian national under his brother’s name. Wilkerson subsequently applied for legal status for the Brazilian national, again falsely and fraudulently using his brother’s name. Wilkerson was Indicted for this offense on March 19, 2024, and later placed into custody after violating the terms of his pre-trial release for committing a new criminal offense. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA - Coeur d’Alene Physician Found Guilty in Telemarketing Medicare Fraud Conspiracy. On September 29, 2025, a federal jury found Dr. David Antonio Becerril, age 69, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and formerly of Selah, Washington, guilty of sixteen (16) felony counts of conspiracy, health care fraud, and false statements in connection with Dr. Becerril’s participation in a telemarketing health care fraud scheme. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on September 22, 2025. At sentencing, which is set for January 20, 2026, Dr. Becerril faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison. According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, between February 2018 and September 2019, Dr. Becerril, a licensed Washington physician, participated in a scheme and conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars by falsely billing Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests and durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces. The evidence at trial showed that Dr. Becerril signed false and fraudulent orders for genetic tests and braces for elderly Medicare beneficiaries that Dr. Becerril had never seen, spoken to, heard of, or had any contact with whatsoever, and which included deceased patients as well as elderly patients who had no limbs for the braces they were prescribed by Dr. Becerril. Dr. Becerril was paid per order he signed. In total, Medicare was billed over $3.2 million for the fraudulent prescriptions signed by Dr. Becerril. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Tri-Cities Urgent Care Clinic Agrees to Pay $2.8 Million to Resolve Claims of Overbilling for Diagnostic Tests. Health First Urgent Care, an urgent care clinic with locations in Richland and Pasco, Washington, has agreed to pay $2,807,729 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicaid for diagnostic tests. According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Health First Urgent Care fraudulently billed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory and urinary tract infection panel testing. These panel tests were a predetermined group of medical tests used to test for multiple pathogens from a single sample obtained from a patient. The United States and State of Washington alleged that instead of billing for a single panel test, Health First Urgent Care improperly “unbundled” the panel test and billed for each individual test comprising the panel. This resulted in overbilling to Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the State of Washington alleged that Health First Urgent Care improperly billed for panel tests that were more expensive and not medically necessary for individual patients, such as patients presenting with symptoms of Covid-19. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Spokane Valley Couple Sentenced on Fraud Convictions in Connection to COVID-19 Relief Loan. On October 8, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand, ages 55 and 54, of Spokane Valley, Washington. Earlier this year, the Hilderbrands were found guilty at a jury trial on multiple fraud charges. Raymond Hilderbrand was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison; Jennifer Hilderbrand was sentenced to time served. Both Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand will be on supervised release for three years and are required to pay $363,000 in restitution. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Othello Man Convicted by Federal Jury of Odometer Tampering
On October 1, 2025, a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Reynaldo Garza, age 53, of Othello, Washington, of five felony counts of Odometer Tampering. After a thorough investigation by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, the evidence at trial established that Garza would purchase high-mileage used cars for cheap. Garza would replace the odometers in the vehicles with an odometer purchased from wrecking yards or used auto parts sellers. The new odometer would display many fewer miles than the original. Garza then sold the vehicles under the false and fraudulent representation that they had fewer miles than was true. In some cases, Garza sold cars by misrepresenting the mileage by up to 100,000 miles less than it the actual mileage. In other cases, the difference was tens of thousands of miles. In doing so, Garza made thousands of dollars in profits for each fraudulent sale. The full press release is located here.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that while the Government was shut down and the United States Attorney’s Office continued to work important cases to protect our communities and children from being victimized. The following impactful cases occurred during the shutdown.

Spokane, WA- Former Riverside School Employee Pleads Guilty to 12 Separate Counts of Child Exploitation Involving Multiple Minor Victims. on October 15, 2025, that former Riverside School District employee Dallas Michael Shuler pled guilty to 12 felony counts pertaining to the online exploitation of children. As indicated in court pleadings and hearings, in May 2024, the FBI Spokane Office was contacted due to a child sexual abuse material video, which had been posted online. When questioned about the video, Shuler indicated he had been in contact with the minors depicted in the video and had requested the minors produce the sexually explicit material. Further investigation into Shuler’s electronic devices and online accounts showed Shuler had engaged in hands-on sexual abuse of at least three minor children and had filmed the abuse. He also engaged in online sexual exploitation of children with dozens of additional victims, many of whom were contacted and victimized through Snapchat. The charges pled to encompass sexual exploitation against 37 different minor children. Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 21, 2026. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex Online. on October 1, 2025, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Timoteo Roque Roque to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for the crime of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor. According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, on July 28, 2024, an undercover (UC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer (TFO) was participating in an undercover enticement operation in Chelan County with a goal of identifying those who were baiting children online for illegal sex. The UC ICAC TFO was online portraying a 13-year-old child and received communication from Roque Roque. During the communications, Roque Roque affirmed that he was interested in having sexual contact with minors and agreed to pay $250 for 30 minutes of sex with the child. Roque Roque traveled to a hotel on two separate occasions with the intention of having sex with who he believed was a child, before he was arrested. Roque Roque was also unlawfully present in the United States after previously being deported in July 2019. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA- White Swan Woman Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years in Prison for Murder on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Tahsheena Stacie Sam, age 33, to 300 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release. According to documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on Christmas Day 2017, Destiny Lloyd, an enrolled member of Yakama Nation, went missing after being seen in a vehicle that night with friends. Four days later, Ms. Lloyd’s body was discovered face-down in a snowy canal ditch located within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Ms. Lloyd was 23 years old. The Yakama Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began a thorough and lengthy investigation into Ms. Lloyd’s death. After extensive efforts that included collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement eventually discovered that Ms. Lloyd had been killed by Tahsheena Sam on the evening of December 25, 2017. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA- White Swan Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Attempted Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat on the Yakama Reservation. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Jerry Slockish, age 58, to 144 months in prison for Attempted Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat in Indian Country. The child victim was six years old at the time of the offense. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on June 4, 2019—the child victim’s sixth birthday—Slockish waited until he was alone with the child and told her that he wanted to give her a birthday present. After the child refused, Slockish forcibly grabbed the child and started touching her. The child told Slockish to stop and began to scream. Slockish covered the child’s mouth with his hand and touched the genitalia of the child over her clothing. After Slockish sexually assaulted the child, she attempted to leave the bedroom, but Slockish grabbed her and dragged her back into the bedroom. Slockish then told the child that he would give her “whoopings” and bruises on her eyes, face and legs if she told anyone about the touching. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA- Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder on the Yakama Reservation. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Jordan Stevens, age 35, to 162 months in prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on October 6, 2018, the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department received a report of shots fired at a residence in Toppenish, Washington. Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered that Stevens shot the victim in the chest for “ripping him off.” The victim’s friend transported the victim to the hospital where he received life-saving care and was discharged a few days later. Stevens is currently serving a life sentence for the 2019 murder of a separate Yakama Nation Tribal member. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA- Yakima Man Sentenced to 240 Months in Prison for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. On October 7, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced J’Lovfonte Jerrome Joe, age 31, of Yakima, Washington, to 240 months incarceration for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following his sentence of incarceration, Joe be required to complete 5 years of supervised release. In addition, Chief Judge Bastian required that Joe pay $3,000 in restitution to victims of the child pornography he possessed. According to court documents, Joe posted images of a minor child who was in his care to a message board dedicated to child sexual abuse on the dark web on January 22, 2021. In addition to images of the child, including images where the child’s clothes were pulled down and Joe’s tongue was pictured extending between the sleeping child’s buttocks, Joe made statements to other persons on the message board that he was considering drugging the child to complete a sexual assault. On February 2, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations agents and task force officers executed a search warrant on Joe’s residence. Electronic devices seized from that residence linked to Joe, contained over fifty digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material in addition to images taken of the child taken at his residence. Those other digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material included images of pre-pubescent children being sexually assaulted by adults. Joe pleaded guilty without benefit of a plea agreement on December 3, 2024, after several violations of conditions of pre-trial release, including cutting off his ankle monitor. At sentencing, prosecutors requested a term of imprisonment of 320 months (26 years, 8 months) to be followed by ten years of supervised release. Defendant requested a sentence of the statutory mandatory minimum of 180 months (15 years) imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release. The full press release is located here.

Pasco, WA- Convicted Rapist and Mexican National Sentenced to 30 Months of Incarceration for Unlawful Reentry After Deportation. On October 2, 2025, District Court Judge United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke, sentenced Jose Luis Cruz-Agustin, age 37, of Pasco, Washington, Washington, to 30 months of imprisonment for illegally entering the United States after multiple prior deportations. Judge Dimke also ordered Cruz-Agustin be subject to a three-year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment due to his history of unlawfully returning to the United States. According to court documents, Cruz-Agustin was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and booked into the Franklin County jail in March of 2025. Thereafter, Immigration and Customs Officers discovered that Cruz-Agustin, a citizen and national of Mexico, had prior convictions for Rape in the Third Degree, Assault in the Third Degree with Substantial Pain, and Furnishing Liquor to a Minor, in Washington state. These convictions stemmed from Cruz-Agustin’s rape of two 15-year-old girls after he provided them with alcohol in 2015. ICE officers also learned that in 2014, Cruz-Agustin was convicted of various domestic violence offenses which also includes sexual violence. Cruz-Agustin has previously been deported form the United States on two prior occasions in 2016 and 2018. The full press release is located here.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that while the Government was shut down, the United States Attorney’s Office was continuing to work important cases where our communities were placed at risk due to transnational drug trafficking, violent crimes and weapons offenses. The following are impactful cases that have occurred during the shutdown.

Moses Lake, WA- Moses Lake Man Sentenced to an Additional 10 Years in Prison for Dealing Drugs from Federal Prison. On November 13, 2025, Chief District Court Judge Stanely Bastain sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, age 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Bastain ordered Stine’s sentence to commence after he finishing serving his current 20-year federal prison sentence, which was imposed for his previous significant drug trafficking in the Moses Lake area. Stine will be on 8 years of supervised release upon his release from this sentence. Evidence shows that while serving this federal prison sentence at FCI Forrest City (Arkansas), Stine utilized contraband cell phones and other methods, to facilitate the criminal enterprise “La Nuestra Familia” or “NF”, including distribution of fentanyl pills into the Moses Lake community. His criminal history dates back to 2000 and this is his 3rd federal conviction. In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Career Offender Convicted after Jury Trial of Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. James Anthony Stinson, age 55, of Spokane, Washington was convicted following a 3-day jury trial of eleven felonies pertaining to Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. Based on evidence presented during the jury trial, the investigation into Stinson began in 2021 following a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine. Some of those purchases occurred from Stinson’s hotel room in Spokane Valley. Based on that information, law enforcement with the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Stinson’s hotel rooms and located distribution quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl pills, along with multiple illegally possessed firearms as well as evidence consistent with sex trafficking. Stinson’s phones and other digital evidence revealed videos of Stinson threatening and violently beating a commercial sex worker. Messages on Stinson’s phones revealed his ongoing use of force, fraud, and coercion, described as an “atmosphere of fear” to force multiple victims to engage in sex work for Stinson’s personal financial enrichment. Stinson was previously convicted in Washington State Superior Court for Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), for which he served 132 months and was released in 2011. In 2012, Stinson was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington for Addict and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, for which he served 120 months in prison. At the time of his arrest in 2021, Stinson was on federal supervised release. The full press release is located here.

Spokane, WA- Mexican National Unlawfully Present in the United States Sentenced to 20 Years for Discharging a Firearm at Spokane Police During a Drug Trafficking Crime. On September 18, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence. According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking. On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; as well as in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. But for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed. The full press release is located here.

Clarkston, WA- Clarkston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing Firearms. Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, of Clarkston, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Dickson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Based on court documents and argument presented through the pendency of the case, a search warrant was executed on Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024, based on prior observations of drug trafficking activities and his possession of a large amount of methamphetamine in his residence. At the residence, law enforcement located in total approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, along with multiple firearms, including the components of an AR-style semiautomatic rifle consistent with a “ghost gun” which lacked markings or a serial number. Dickson was initially arrested and then subsequently released on state charges. Following his federal indictment, local law enforcement in Clarkston attempted to contact Dickson. Dickson fled into Idaho and engaged in a short foot pursuit with officers before being arrested. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA - Yakima Woman Sentenced to 151 months in Jail for Trafficking Methamphetamine with Firearm. on October 9, 2025, United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell, sentenced Allicianna Lynnzie Clark, age 31, of Yakima, Washington, to 151 months imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following her sentence, Clark be on supervised release for a period of five years. According to court documents, on August 5, 2024, two Yakima police officers were in a marked police vehicle when they observed a vehicle with expired tags. The officers observed that the driver was a female and was the only person in the vehicle. The officers initiated a traffic stop and the driver sped away into a neighborhood. A few minutes later the officers found the vehicle abandoned in an alleyway. The officers found Clark a short distance away, identified her as the driver of the vehicle, and arrested her. Inside a bag Clark possessed police found approximately 120 grams of actual methamphetamine and 25 grams of fentanyl. A Glock model 19, 9mm pistol was also inside the bag. Clark had previously served long prison sentences for assault, robbery, and illegal firearm possession. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, WA- Yakima Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison Following Probation Violation. on October 21, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced Susen Ann Gorst, 37, of Yakima, Washington, to 57 months incarceration following violation of her terms of probation. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following her sentence of incarceration, Gorst be required to complete 3 years of supervised release. According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, Gorst was sentenced to thirty-six months of probation following a guilty plea for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Gorst incurred multiple violations of the terms and conditions of probation imposed by the Court, resulting in the Court revoking Gorst’s probation and re-sentencing her to 57 months imprisonment. On August 15, 2024, Gorst failed to report to her probation officer as directed. She was also found to have previously consumed controlled substances and failed to submit to random drug testing. Gorst was arrested on July 7, 2025, by the Toppenish Police Department and on July 9, 2025, she was discovered in possession of controlled substances while in detention pending her probation revocation proceedings. Following evidentiary hearings on August 12, 2025, and October 6, 2025, Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Gorst on October 21, 2025. The full press release is located here.

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 21, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced Susen Ann Gorst, 37, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 57 months incarceration following violation of her terms of probation. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following her sentence of incarceration, Gorst be required to complete 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents, on April 30, 2024, Gorst was sentenced to thirty-six months of probation following a guilty plea for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Gorst incurred multiple violations of the terms and conditions of probation imposed by the Court, resulting in the Court revoking Gorst’s probation and re-sentencing her to 57 months imprisonment. On August 15, 2024, Gorst failed to report to her probation officer as directed. She was also found to have previously consumed controlled substances and failed to submit to random drug testing. Gorst was arrested on July 7, 2025, by the Toppenish Police Department and on July 9, 2025, she was discovered in possession of controlled substances while in detention pending her probation revocation proceedings. Following evidentiary hearings on August 12, 2025, and October 6, 2025, Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Gorst on October 21, 2025.

“Methamphetamine traffickers like Ms. Gorst threaten the health and safety of our communities, but despite these concerns, she was given another opportunity to lead a productive life,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “She forfeited her second chance by once again ignoring our community’s values and now must pay the price.”

United States Attorney Pete Serrano noted that this sentence reflects efforts to hold individuals accountable who refuse to comply with conditions of probation. “Ms. Gorst was given a unique opportunity with a probationary sentence on a serious drug charge. Instead of capitalizing on it, instead, she violated community and the Court’s trust, the seriousness of which is reflected in the significant term of confinement Chief Judge Bastian sentenced her to.”

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.

1:22-CR-2084-SAB

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 9, 2025, United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell, sentenced Allicianna Lynnzie Clark, age 31, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 151 months imprisonment for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following her sentence, Clark be on supervised release for a period of five years.

According to court documents, on August 5, 2024, two Yakima police officers were in a marked unit when they observed a vehicle with expired tags. The officers observed that the driver was a female and was the only person in the vehicle. The officers initiated a traffic stop and the driver sped away into a neighborhood. A few minutes later the officers found the vehicle abandoned in an alleyway. The officers found Clark a short distance away, identified her as the driver of the vehicle, and arrested her. Inside a bag Clark possessed police found approximately 120 grams of actual meth and 25 grams of fentanyl. Also inside the bag was a Glock model 19, 9mm pistol. Clark had previously served long prison sentences for assault, robbery, and illegal firearm possession.

“Repeat offenders engaged in drug trafficking while armed pose a direct threat to our communities.” Said United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “Through the diligent efforts of our local law enforcement along with their DEA partners, they were able to bring this offender to justice and make our community safer.”

“All too often, the evil trinity of meth, fentanyl, and firearms lead to violence and death, but in this case, it led Ms. Clark back to prison for a very long time,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “DEA and our partners work tirelessly to keep our communities safe from repeat offenders like Ms. Clark, who continue to threaten our communities with drugs and guns despite their previous incarceration.”

The case was investigated by the Yakima Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Seal.

1:24-CR-2073-RLP

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 7, 2025, Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian, sentenced J’LOVFONTE JEROME JOE, 31, of Yakima, Washington, Washington, to 240 months incarceration for Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. Chief Judge Bastian also ordered that, following his sentence of incarceration, Joe be required to complete 5 years of supervised release. In addition, Chief Judge Bastian required that Joe pay $3,000 in restitution to victims of the child pornography he possessed.

According to court documents, Joe posted images of a minor child who was in his care to a message board dedicated to child sexual abuse on the dark web on January 22, 2021. In addition to images of the child, including images where the child’s clothes were pulled down and Joe’s tongue was pictured extending between the sleeping child’s buttocks, Joe made statements to other persons on the message board that he was considering drugging the child in order to complete a sexual assault. On February 2, 2021, Homeland Security Investigations agents and task force officers executed a search warrant on Joe’s residence. Electronic devices seized from that residence and linked to Joe contained over fifty digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material in addition to images taken of the child taken at his residence. Those other digital files of Child Sexual Abuse Material included images of pre-pubescent children being sexually assaulted by adults. Joe pleaded guilty without benefit of a plea agreement on December 3, 2024, after several violations of conditions of pre-trial release, including cutting off his ankle monitor. At sentencing, prosecutors requested a term of imprisonment of 320 months (26 years, 8 months) to be followed by ten years of supervised release. Defendant requested a sentence of the statutory mandatory minimum of 180 months (15 years) imprisonment to be followed by ten years of supervised release.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano emphasized the importance of these investigations and prosecutions, “predators who victimize our children must be removed for our communities. This Defendant is an example of the worst kind of sexual predator, someone who victimizes children he is entrusted to care for and then attempts to drug and further exploit them in a sick and twisted online community. I commend our law enforcement partners and the AUSAs in my office to facing this disturbing material and going after these offenders.”

“Predators like Joe who exploit the innocent will face the full justice of the law - we will find you and hold you fully accountable,” said Homeland Security Investigations acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Joe’s sentence reflects HSI’s relentless work to safeguard victims, dismantle networks of predators and prosecute offenders of this heinous crime.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and additional investigation regarding the physical sexual contact with the child was conducted by the Yakima Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Sikes and Michael Murphy.

1:22-CR-2095-SAB

Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Tahsheena Stacie Sam, 33, to 300 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release.

According to documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on Christmas Day 2017, Destiny Lloyd, an enrolled member of Yakama Nation, went missing after being seen in a vehicle that night with friends. Four days later, Ms. Lloyd’s body was discovered face-down in a snowy canal ditch located within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Ms. Lloyd was 23 years old.

The Yakama Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began a thorough and lengthy investigation into Ms. Lloyd’s death. After extensive efforts that included collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement eventually discovered that Ms. Lloyd had been killed by Tahsheena Sam on the evening of December 25, 2017. That night, Ms. Lloyd, Sam and a group of several others were driving around the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation and consuming alcohol. At some point, the group learned that Ms. Lloyd had money on her – believed to be less than one-hundred dollars. A short time later, Sam assaulted Ms. Lloyd outside of the vehicle next to a snowy canal ditch and stole the money. Sam departed the vehicle with the others after the assault, leaving Ms. Lloyd behind. Sam then became concerned that Ms. Lloyd would report the assault, so she returned to the canal ditch armed with a wrench. Sam used a flashlight to follow Ms. Lloyd’s tracks in the snow. Upon locating Ms. Lloyd, Sam struck Ms. Lloyd in the head with the wrench and left her in the ditch to die.

Initial findings on autopsy revealed that Ms. Lloyd’s cause of death was cerebral trauma due to a skull fracture. At the time, it was unknown if the skull fracture had been caused by Ms. Lloyd falling down an embankment and striking her head, or whether Ms. Lloyd’s skull fracture and subsequent death were caused by being struck with an object. Law enforcement thoroughly processed the crime scene at the canal following the discovery of Ms. Lloyd’s body, although they found very little forensic evidence there.

Law enforcement also questioned potential witnesses throughout the investigation, learning that the individuals Ms. Lloyd was last seen with included Tasheena Sam, Waylon Jake Napyer, Shelaine Slakish, as well as another male, all enrolled members of the Yakama Nation. Several people believed to have information on what transpired, initially refused to cooperate with law enforcement. In February 2018, a witness provided text messages to law enforcement which led police to believe that Ms. Lloyd had been murdered. The FBI obtained search warrants for multiple digital devices and/or social media accounts. Law enforcement also reviewed thousands of documents and continued to press potential witnesses for information.

As the investigation progressed, law enforcement determined that Waylon Jake Napyer was present when Ms. Lloyd was murdered, although evidence suggested that someone else had killed her. Because Mr. Napyer failed to notify authorities of the murder, in July 2022, he was indicted and charged with Misprision of a Felony. Once authorities determined that Sam had killed Ms. Lloyd by blunt force trauma to the head, Sam was charged with First Degree Murder and Felony Murder in a superseding indictment that included charging Napyer with Misprision of a Felony.

On July 16, 2024, Napyer pled guilty to Misprision of a Felony. On October 22, 2024, United States Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Napyer to 36 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release.

On June 11, 2024, Sam plead guilty to an Information charging her with Second Degree Murder. On October 21, 2025, Judge Dimke sentenced Ms. Sam to 300 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. 

MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse, who handled the sentencing hearing, recommended a sentence of 300 months in prison, higher than the federal guidelines. AUSA Black Horse noted the brutal nature of the crime: “This murder was not a spontaneous or isolated act of violence; rather, the Defendant deliberately perpetrated a merciless killing motivated by greed and desire to conceal criminal conduct. The Defendant’s actions strike at the very core of community safety and demand a punishment that conveys the gravity of this offense.”

“This was truly a horrific case that involved the death of a young woman in the prime of her life,” United States Attorney Pete Serrano said. “This kind of senseless violence simply has no place in our society. The Lloyd family has truly suffered so much pain due to Ms. Sam’s violent acts.” Mr. Serrano noted the difficulty investigating and prosecuting this case, saying, “I strongly encourage members of our community to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement so that families don’t have to wait years for justice to prevail. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department devoted countless hours to solving this tragic case so that Ms. Lloyd’s family could have some sense of justice. I also want to commend the six career Assistant United States Attorneys, in both Spokane and Yakima, who all contributed their time and effort, and never gave up in pursuing justice for Ms. Lloyd’s murder. This case truly demonstrates a team effort.”

“In this shocking case, the defendant turned a holiday gathering nearly eight years ago into a tragic murder,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Ms. Sam stole money from someone she didn’t even know and abandoned the victim on the side of the road in the snow, then went on to return later and brutally murder her in an attempt to cover up her crime. Even though an investigation like this one may take years to come to a conclusion, the FBI and our partners will never stop pursuing justice for victims and their loved ones and communities. Combatting violent crime, including on tribal lands, is an important part of that work.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bree R. Black Horse and Ian Garriques.

1:22-cr-02076-MKD-2

Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Jerry Slockish, 58, to 144 months in prison for Attempted Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat in Indian Country. The child victim was six years old at the time of the offense.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on June 4, 2019—the child victim’s sixth birthday—Slockish waited until he was alone with the child and told her that he wanted to give her a birthday present. After the child refused, Slockish forcibly grabbed the child and started touching her. The child told Slockish to stop and began to scream. Slockish covered the child’s mouth with his hand and touched the genitalia of the child over her clothing. After Slockish sexually assaulted the child, she attempted to leave the bedroom, but Slockish seized her and dragged her back into the bedroom. Slockish then told the child that he would give her “whoopings” and bruises on her eyes, face and legs if she told anyone about the touching.

“Protecting children and our most vulnerable from sexual and physical abuse is a priority of this administration and my office.” Said United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “Successful prosecution depends on strong collaboration and partnership with our tribal partners, law enforcement, social services and child advocates. Together we can hold these heinous offenders accountable.”

At sentencing, MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse noted Slockish’s nearly 30-year history of perpetrating physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women and children as reflected in police reports and Child Protection Services records. In recommending a 12-year sentence, MMIP AUSA Black Horse stated the “sexual victimization of a child is among the most serious of criminal offenses because this type of crime inflicts immeasurable and lasting harm on the most vulnerable in our society. A 12-year sentence makes clear the justice system prioritizes the protection of vulnerable victims and assures the community that the justice system will respond with seriousness and proportionality to the sexual assault of a child.”

"A child’s birthday should be a day of joy and hope for the year ahead," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Instead, on her sixth birthday, this victim tragically suffered long-lasting harm from an adult who should have protected her. I hope this case serves as a reminder that, no matter how long it takes, the FBI is dedicated to seeking justice for our nation's most vulnerable citizens within tribal lands and beyond."

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.

1:24-cr-2049-MKD

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 24, 2025, District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon Wilkerson, of Wenatchee Washington, to thirty months in prison for aggravated identity theft and false statements on a passport application.

As set out in court documents, in October 2021, Wilkerson attempted to get a passport in his name but was denied in January 2022 because he was subject to a pending state warrant of arrest for felony unlawful possession of a firearm under Washington state law. In March 2022, Wilkerson stole his brother’s identity and applied for a passport under his brother’s name which was subsequently approved unknowing of the fraud. Wilkerson then used the passport to travel to Brazil, where he married a Brazilian national under his brother’s name. Wilkerson subsequently applied for legal status for the Brazilian national, again falsely and fraudulently using his brother’s name. Wilkerson was Indicted for this offense on March 19, 2024 and later placed into custody after violating the terms of his pre-trial release for committing a new criminal offense.

“Mr. Wilkerson knew that he could not get a valid passport in his own name because of his prior misconduct, so, under false pretenses, he fraudulently assumed the identity of his brother hoping the United States would not notice when he and his spouse tried to enter the United States,” said US Attorney Pete Serrano. “Mr. Wilkerson’s crime has serious consequences: the risks and dangers to our community of people entering the United States under false identities cannot be overstated. While this may seem like a Hollywood story, Catch Me if You Can, Mr. Wilkerson will not have a Hollywood ending thanks to the work from the men and women in our office and our partner law enforcement offices.”

“The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to investigating and holding accountable those who attempt to fraudulently obtain U.S. passports,” said Jonathan Kazmar, Special Agent in Charge of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. “The U.S. passport is America’s premier identity document, and its integrity is critical to our national security. Criminals and foreign adversaries often seek to exploit the passport system to facilitate illegal activities, including terrorism and human trafficking. These crimes pose significant threats to the safety of our communities and the security of the homeland, and DSS remains steadfast in its mission to combat them.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Health First Urgent Care, an urgent care clinic with locations in Richland and Pasco, Washington, has agreed to pay $2,807,729 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicaid for diagnostic tests.

According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Health First Urgent Care fraudulently billed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory and urinary tract infection panel testing. These panel tests were a predetermined group of medical tests used to test for multiple pathogens from a single sample obtained from a patient.

The United States and State of Washington alleged that instead of billing for a single panel test, Health First Urgent Care improperly “unbundled” the panel test and billed for each individual test comprising the panel. This resulted in overbilling to Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the State of Washington alleged that Health First Urgent Care improperly billed for panel tests that were more expensive and not medically necessary for individual patients, such as patients presenting with symptoms of Covid-19.

“Ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the requirements of Medicare and Medicaid not only maintains the integrity of these programs, but it also safeguards patients and results in better healthcare outcomes,” said Mr. Serrano. “I would like to express our appreciation for our collaboration with the Washington Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the exception investigative work performed by HHS-OIG. We will continue to ensure that fraud, waste, and abuse does not permeate federal healthcare programs.”

The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

“Medicare and Medicaid exist to make sure families’ critical medical needs are met. It is vital that we protect the integrity of these programs,” Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This settlement will help ensure these funds are put to use as intended for Washingtonians.”

“It is critical for providers to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and other taxpayer-funded health care programs lawfully and accurately. The submission of false laboratory testing claims diverts key resources away from those who rely on them, including the elderly and low-income families,” said Jeffrey C. McIntosh, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal health care programs for the benefit of the American people.”

The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant Attorney General Rachel Sterett.

Spokane, Washington – On October 8, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand, ages 55 and 54, of Spokane Valley, Washington. Earlier this year, the Hilderbrands were found guilty at a jury trial on multiple fraud charges. Raymond Hilderbrand was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison; Jennifer Hilderbrand was sentenced to time served. Both Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand will be on supervised release for three years and are required to pay $363,000 in restitution.

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

The evidence presented at trial established that the Hilderbrands engaged in an elaborate scheme to obtain money from the Small Business Administration (SBA) to spend on their entertainment business called Powerline Enterprise LLC (Powerline), even though in September of 2021, the SBA had declined to fund a loan for the company.

To execute this scheme, in January of 2022, Raymond Hilderbrand completed a EIDL application in the name of Hilderbrand Auto Services, which was an automotive repair business, owned by the Raymond Hilderbrand, located at 10423 E. Trent Avenue, Spokane Valley. In the application he told the SBA the EIDL funds would be used as working capital for Hilderbrand Auto Services and would not be used for another company. However, in February 2022, when SBA sent $320,000 to Hilderbrand Auto to be used by that business to alleviate economic injury caused by the pandemic, the Hilderbrands immediately transferred $311,000 to Powerline. The Hilderbrands then used $295,000 of the EIDL funds to purchase the Trent Avenue property in the name of Powerline, with Jennifer Hilderbrand as the sole owner. 

The Hilderbrands continued to attempt to obtain additional EIDL funds in the name of Powerline by making false representations about the company’s revenue on their EIDL application. The SBA declined the reconsideration of the Powerline EIDL application in early May of 2022. Shortly thereafter, the Hilderbrands requested a modification for the EIDL loan for Hilderbrand Auto. The SBA approved the request, and Raymond Hilderbrand again promised to use the money solely for Hilderbrand Auto. On May 17, 2022, the SBA disbursed an additional $43,000 in EIDL funds to the Hilderbrand Auto bank account, $35,000 of which was immediately withdrawn by check and transferred to Powerline.

“I am grateful for the prosecutors and investigators that worked together to seek justice in this case,” stated United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano. “Their work ensured both Raymond and Jennifer Hilderbrand were held accountable for lies told to obtain funding that was designed for small businesses in need of a lifeline. As a result of the Hilderbrands’ fraud, other small businesses were unable to obtain the help they needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“The investigative efforts of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and its partners, along with the prosecutorial work of the U.S. Attorney's Office, demonstrate the commitment to pursuing, capturing, and prosecuting those who try to defraud the American people," said TIGTA Special Agent-in-Charge Krystofor Proev.

This case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by TIGTA, SBA OIG, and IRS-CI. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Jacob Brooks.

2:23-cr-00114-TOR

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 1, 2025, a federal jury in Spokane, Washington, convicted Reynaldo Garza, age 53, of Othello, Washington, of five felony counts of Odometer Tampering.

As evidence presented at the trial established, a thorough investigation initiated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Office determined that Garza would purchase high-mileage used cars for cheap. Garza would replace the odometers in the vehicles with an odometer purchased from wrecking yards or used auto parts sellers. The new odometer would display many fewer miles than the original. Garza then sold the vehicles under the false and fraudulent representation that they had fewer miles than was true. In some cases, Garza sold cars by misrepresenting the mileage by up to 100,000 miles less than it the actual mileage. In other cases, the difference was tens of thousands of miles. In doing so, Garza made thousands of dollars in profits for each fraudulent sale.

U.S. Attorney Serrano said, “Unlike in the movies where driving a car backwards may change the odometer, cars these days have digital odometers that are harder are tamper with, making customers unsuspecting of any inaccuracies. This sophistication allowed Mr. Garza to defraud and cheat the public and sell unsuspecting customers cars with false odometers for thousands of dollars more than they would be valued had these vehicles displayed correct mileage. Mr. Garza violated several statutes and regulations designed to protect the consumer; my office will continue to prosecute these cases.”

Odometer fraud is a serious crime that costs Americans billions of dollars every year. This scourge makes our roads less safe for everyone by leading purchasers to believe their brake pads and other components are newer than they are. Buyers of these tampered vehicles were deprived of their vehicles’ full-service history and overpaid for vehicles nearing the end of their lifespans. NHTSA encourages everyone to learn how to identify odometer fraud before purchasing a used vehicle,” NHTSA Administrator Jonathan Morrison said.

Garza’s sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2026. Garza faces a statutory maximum of 3 years imprisonment per count. 

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Office of Odometer Fraud and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob E. Brooks and Jeremy J. Kelley. 

Individuals with information relating to odometer tampering should call NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236. More information on odometer fraud, including prevention tips, is available on NHTSA’s website. 

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on November 13, 2025, Chief District Court Judge United States District Judge Stanely Bastain, sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, age 40, of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months of incarceration following his guilty plea to Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Bastain ordered Stine’s sentence to commence after he finishes serving his current 20-year federal prison sentence, which was imposed for his previous for significant drug trafficking in the Moses Lake area. Stine will be on 8 years of supervised release upon his release from this sentence.

Evidence shows that Stine engaged in this conduct to facilitate the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” or “NF”. NF is attempting a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, including an NF “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – better known as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.

This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”.

Stine’s conduct shows his clear desire to be selected by NF for membership. Stine is a member of the Moses Lake Norteño set East Side Familia. His criminal history dates back to 2000 and this is his 3rd federal conviction. In 2012, Stine was sentenced to 20 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm while on Washington State Department of Corrections supervision. Following his term of incarceration, Stine was on federal supervised release, and he participated in the STEP Program, which is intensive supervision to help drug addicts gain and maintain their sobriety. Shortly after his completed the program, Stine engaged in significant drug trafficking activity in the greater Moses Lake area in 2018-2019. He was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his conduct in 2021. (Case No: 2:19-CR-111-WFN-2).

While serving this federal prison sentence at FCI Forrest City (Arkansas), Stine did not change course. In an effort to ingratiate himself to NF, he was vocal and proactive about identifying and reporting individuals he believes to be violating NF’s code of conduct by fellow Norteños. He specifically inserted himself into investigations into who may have been acting as confidential informants for law enforcement against Norteños, especially those suspected in the Moses Lake and Tri-Cities areas. Stine utilized a contraband cell phone to communicate with the “streets” and research these individuals. There were even multiple photos of suspected informants with red “X”s through their faces located on his phone.

Stine also used his contraband phone or organize the distribution of drugs both inside of prison and on the “streets”. He was actively distributing large amount of fentanyl through the mails to Norteños in the Moses Lake area (for distribution into the community) as well as the distribution of large quantities of K2, fentanyl, and methamphetamine in prison facilities.

He also actively advised others of his status as a Norteño and his further intent to be NF and would send people photographs of himself with his “homies” as proof of his desires.

"Stine on Lower Right with His “Homies”

Stine engaged in these activities to enrich himself and to help fund NF through the payment of ‘taxes’ on his profits from his various illicit ventures, including his drug trafficking schemes. While it is clear Stine did not report all of his income to NF leadership (i.e. he was “freelancing”), he consistently paid the mandatory taxes on the amounts he did disclose as money is the only way this criminal enterprise survives.

In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “The Defendant is the epitome of recidivism. He has made his choice, despite multiple attempts to persuade him to a different life trajectory. Stine is not repentant. This sentence sends a strong message to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.”

ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric Jackson commented, “Fentanyl devastates our communities, and Mr. Stine’s trafficking of this poison threatened countless lives in the Moses Lake area, showing an utter disregard for human life. Fortunately, our ATF Special Agents are steadfast in their dedication to protecting our communities from those who seek to profit from dealing illegal and dangerous narcotics in our neighborhoods. This case is a prime example of ATF’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, like NF, which are a scourge on our society’s peace and safety.”

Dave Sands, the Chief of the Moses Lake Police Department noted this case was possible due to the continued and productive partnership between MLPD, ATF and DEA in pursuit of our community’s safety. Together, our work has directly resulted in multiple arrests and significant seizures of illicit drugs and firearms. We intend to continue this important partnership to continue to fight the gang violence and drug crimes in our area.

This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”) National Gang Unit, the Moses Lake Police Department (“MLPD”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal. 

1:24-CR-2027-SAB-29

Spokane, Washington – On September 18, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence.

According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers (15-CR-02068-SAB) related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. For that conduct, Judge Bastian sentenced him to 84 months in federal custody. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking and escalated to distributing thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into the community.

On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; however, the bullets were also fired in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. Additionally, but for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed.

Because Garcia was under federal supervision for his prior conviction at the time of this incident, he was arrested for violation of his supervised release and later charged with the new offenses. Working in conjunction with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, Garcia will be transferred to Spokane County to face state charges regarding the assault on the law enforcement officers.

Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, remarked on how dangerous Garcia’s conduct was: “We have zero tolerance for dangerous offenders like Garcia who pose an immediate threat to our community and our law enforcement partners. Garcia opened fire on the police in the streets of Spokane, attempting to strike several police officers. It is unconscionable that he engaged in this behavior after having just been released from prison for the same kind of violent conduct. This case highlights the importance of our partnerships between our state and federal partners and how closely we work with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.”

“Mr. Garcia was a menace to our community, both because of his fentanyl trafficking as well as his violent behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Prison is clearly the right place for him, and I am proud that DEA and our partners could facilitate his lengthy incarceration.”

This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter and Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Cartier Giroux.

2:23CR00001-SAB-1

Spokane, Washington – Earlier today, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Timoteo Roque Roque to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for the crime of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor.

According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, on July 28, 2024, an undercover (UC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer (TFO) was participating in an undercover enticement operation in Chelan County with a goal of identifying those who were baiting children online for illegal sex. The UC ICAC TFO was online portraying a 13-year-old child and received communication from the defendant, Roque Roque. During the communications, Roque Roque affirmed that he was interested in having sexual contact with minors and agreed to pay $250 for 30 minutes of sex with the child at a local hotel; he also agreed to bring condoms for the meet. Roque Roque later sent the UC a text saying he was at the hotel, but he saw a police vehicle and he thought it was a trap. He left the hotel, but continued communicating with the UC, who was purporting to be a 13-year-old child. He returned to the hotel about six hours later, once again with the agreement to pay $250 for sex with the child. Upon arrest, Roque-Roque ultimately admitted he was communicating with who he believed to be a 13 year old and traveled to the hotel twice in order to have sex with the child.

Roque Roque was illegally present in the United States at the time of this crime. He is a citizen and national of Mexico who was arrested and deported from the United States previously at San Luis, Arizona, on July 15, 2019.

“Investigations and prosecutions like these remain a high priority for my office, we simply have to protect our children from predators.” U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said. “Thanks to the excellent, collaborative investigative work by local and federal law enforcement, Mr. Roque Roque is now being held accountable for attempting to pay a local minor for sex while illegally present in the United States.”

"This illegal alien represents the worst of the worst type of criminal who sought to conduct heinous abuse of a child, but fortunately in this case, the 'child' Roque Roque sought to harm was not real,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “It is deeply troubling to learn although he was removed in 2019, he was roaming our streets seeking victims. HSI is committed to holding those who pose the greatest risk to public safety accountable for their actions and protecting the vulnerable."

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov

This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Patrol, and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant
United States Attorney Alison Gregoire.

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced on October 15, 2025, that former Riverside School District employee Dallas Michael Shuler pled guilty to 12 felony counts pertaining to the online exploitation of children.

As indicated in court pleadings and hearings, in May of 2024, the FBI Spokane Office was contacted due to a child sexual abuse material video which had been posted online. When questioned about the video, Mr. Shuler indicated he had been in contact with the minors depicted in the video and had requested they produce the sexually explicit material. Further investigation into Mr. Shuler’s electronic devices and online accounts showed Mr. Shuler had engaged in hands-on sexual abuse of at least three minor children and had filmed the abuse. He also engaged in online sexual exploitation of children with dozens of additional victims, many of whom were contacted and victimized through Snapchat. The charges pled to encompass sexual exploitation against 37 different minor children.

United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano stated the following: “Abuse of any kind against a child is an egregious violation. My office is ready to aggressively prosecute those who exploit children in any way. Mr. Shuler’s conduct was a shocking breach of trust, particularly considering his position in an elementary school. I commend those who acted quickly in investigating and prosecuting this case. No child should experience what the children in this case unfortunately went through. I stand with our law enforcement partners in working to end the exploitation of children.”

“As a school district employee, Mr. Shuler was entrusted with the children of this community, whom he held a responsibility to safeguard and guide as a role model," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "It was a horrifying betrayal of that trust to abuse his access to children by exploiting them both in person and online, including by filming graphic and explicit videos. Tragically, no prosecution can undo the harm these children suffered or fully erase its record from the Internet. Still, our case team, partner law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors hope that this case can help prevent harm to other vulnerable children by sending a warning to would-be predators that we will hold them accountable for their crimes.”

This case is being 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.

This case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 21, 2026. 

2:24-CR-72-TOR

Pasco, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on October 2, 2025, District Court Judge United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke, sentenced Jose Luis Cruz-Agustin, age 37, of Pasco, Washington, Washington, to 30 months of imprisonment for illegally entering the United States after multiple prior deportations. Judge Dimke also ordered Cruz-Agustin be subject to a three year term of supervised release following his term of imprisonment due to his history of unlawfully returning to the United States.

According to court documents, Cruz-Agustin was arrested for Driving Under the Influence and booked into the Franklin County jail in March of 2025. Thereafter, Immigration and Customs Officers discovered that Cruz-Agustin, a citizen and national of Mexico, had prior convictions for Rape in the Third Degree, Assault in the Third Degree with Substantial Pain, and Furnishing Liquor to a Minor, in Washington state. These convictions stemmed from Cruz-Agustin’s rape of two 15 year old girls after he provided them with alcohol in 2015. Cruz-Agustin was sentenced in a Washington state superior court to 15 months in prison and, as an unlawful alien, was deported to Mexico.

ICE officers also learned that in 2014, Cruz-Agustin was convicted of various domestic violence offenses stemming from Cruz-Agustin chasing his then girlfriend in a vehicle while her young child was in her car. During that incident, Cruz-Agustin blocked the roadway with his vehicle, forcing his girlfriend to stop. Cruz-Agustin then dragged her from her vehicle and punched her in her abdomen, ribs and face. Cruz-Agustin then attempted to sexually assault his girlfriend while her young child remained in the vehicle nearby.

Cruz-Agustin returned to the United States in September of 2016 and was apprehended in Arizona. He was charged with Unlawful Reentry After Deportation, convicted and sentenced to a 21 month term of imprisonment. Cruz-Agustin was deported in March of 2018, after serving his sentence, but returned to the United States on or before March of 2025.

The 30 month sentence imposed by Judge Dimke was the maximum sentence under the United States Sentencing Guidelines and the sentence argued for by the United States. During the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke stated that the sentence was warranted due to Cruz-Agustin’s history of violence against young girls and women in the Eastern District of Washington, and his penchant for unlawfully returning to the United States.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano said “While unlawfully present in the United States, Jose Luis Cruz-Agustin has terrorized and assaulted multiple minors and young women in the Eastern District of Washington. His conduct is unconscionable, as reflected by his sentence. I hope this sentence sends a message with similar intentions: do not conduct yourself this way in Eastern Washington; such behavior is not tolerated here.”

“Unlawful reentry after removal is a federal offense, and Cruz’s sentence reflects the seriousness of that crime,” said ICE ERO Seattle acting Field Office Director Laura Hermosillo. “This criminal illegal alien and convicted rapist is exactly the kind of public-safety threat we prioritize in our daily immigration enforcement actions —the worst of the worst. He remains in custody and is facing removal, and ICE will keep working to protect the American people and uphold the rule of law.”

The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laurel J. Holland.

4:25-CR-6011-MKD

Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Jordan Stevens, 35, to 162 months in prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on October 6, 2018, the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department received a report of shots fired at a residence in Toppenish, Washington. Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered that Stevens shot the victim in the chest for “ripping him off.” The victim’s friend transported him to the hospital where he received life-saving care and was discharged a few days later. Stevens is currently serving a life sentence for the 2019 murder of a Yakama Nation Tribal member.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano emphasized, “The community must see that every act of serious violence carries its own consequence, and that the justice system will respond decisively to deter others from engaging in similar acts of rage or retaliation. This prosecution serves to protect the public by reinforcing the rule of law and underscoring that even those already in custody are subject to the same standards of accountability and respect for human life as anyone else.”

At sentencing, MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse acknowledged that Stevens was already serving a life sentence, but that this separate and distinct act of violence warrants its own meaningful punishment. “A maximum Guideline sentence of 162 months imprisonment is necessary to affirm that the Court and the law will not tolerate the use of firearms to resolve personal disputes, and that each act of violence—even by someone who is already serving a life term—carries independent moral and legal weight,” AUSA Black Horse argued to the Court. In seeking the 13-year sentence, AUSA Black Horse explained that penalty “reinforces the principle that serious acts of violence will not be excused or ignored, even when committed by someone already serving a lengthy or life term. A maximum Guideline sentence communicates to others—particularly those who might otherwise view incarceration as a shield against further accountability—that violence conduct will no go unpunished, regardless of a defendant’s existing term of imprisonment.”

"Even though Mr. Stevens is already serving a life sentence for murder, he still must be held accountable for this violent crime," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "The FBI and our partners are committed to pursuing justice for each and every one of these violent acts on behalf of the victims and their communities."

This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.

1:23-cr-2046-SAB

Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 29, 2025, a federal jury found Dr. David Antonio Becerril, age 69, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and formerly of Selah, Washington, guilty of sixteen counts of conspiracy, fraud, and false statements in connection with Dr. Becerril’s participation in a telemarketing health care fraud scheme. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on September 22, 2025. At sentencing, which is set for January 20, 2026, Dr. Becerril faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison.

According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, between February 2018 and September 2019, Dr. Becerril, a licensed Washington physician, participated in a scheme and conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars by falsely billing Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests and durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces. The evidence at trial showed that Dr. Becerril signed false and fraudulent orders for genetic tests and braces for elderly Medicare beneficiaries that Dr. Becerril had never seen, spoken to, heard of, or had any contact with whatsoever, and which included deceased patients as well as elderly patients who had no limbs for the braces they were prescribed by Dr. Becerril.

The evidence presented at trial also detailed the scheme and involvement of Real Time Physicians, LLC (Real Time) whose telemarketers contacted the elderly Medicare beneficiaries and obtained their personal information and beneficiary numbers. Dr. Becerril, using an internet portal provided by Real Time, certified false and fraudulent prescriptions for braces and genetic tests for the beneficiaries, signing prescriptions and other documents prepared by Real Time that contained false medical information and made it appear that he was treating the beneficiaries. Real Time then sold the phony prescriptions to genetic testing labs and durable medical equipment companies, who then billed Medicare, sharing the proceeds with Real Time. Real Time paid Dr. Becerril $20 for each phony prescription he falsely certified to be used to fraudulently bill Medicare.

According to the evidence presented at trial, Medicare was billed over $3.2 million for fraudulent prescriptions signed by Dr. Becerril, who never once spoke to, treated, or interacted with a patient, and paid out more than $1.3 million before the fraud was uncovered. Dr. Becerril reviewed the Real Time prescriptions for, on average, 26 seconds before signing them and falsely attesting to their medical necessity, and that he never once declined to sign a Real Time prescription for Medicare beneficiaries with which he had no contact and had never heard of. Dr. Becerril was paid over $37,000 by Real Time for his false certifications as a medical doctor on hundreds of prescriptions for DME and genetic testing, which equated to being paid thousands of dollars per hour for his participation in the fraud scheme over approximately 19 months.

In June 2022, the Department of Justice announced that Marc Sporn, 61, of Delray Beach, Florida, the former owner of Real Time and other similar companies, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy to fraudulently bill Medicare.

“By participating in this telemedicine fraud scheme, Dr. Becerril placed his own personal financial gain before the legitimate medical needs of patients, violating the trust of Medicare enrollees and wasting valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. McIntosh of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our federal law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable medical providers who defraud taxpayer-funded health care programs.”

“Medicare fraud is fraud against the American taxpayer. This office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who would attempt to line their own pockets by defrauding the federal healthcare programs relied upon by our senior citizens, our active-duty military, and our veterans,” stated U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano. “This fraud is especially egregious as it was perpetrated by a medical doctor betraying his oath to do no harm. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, in particular the phenomenal work done for years on this case by multiple special agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and without whom we would not have been able to bring Dr. Becerril to justice.”

The case was investigated by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Tyler Tornabene and Health Care Fraud Contractor Echo Fatsis. 

United States v. David A. Becerril, 1:23-CR-02029-SAB

Clarkston, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, of Clarkston, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Dickson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised released.

Based on court documents and argument presented through the pendency of the case, a search warrant was executed on Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024 based on prior observations of distributions of drugs and possession of large amounts of methamphetamine. At the residence, law enforcement located in total approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, along with multiple firearms, including the components of a AR-style semiautomatic rifle consistent with a “ghost gun” which lacked markings or a serial number. Dickson was initially arrested and then subsequently released on state charges. Following his federal indictment, local law enforcement in Clarkston attempted to contact Dickson. Dickson fled into Idaho and engaged in a short foot pursuit with officers before being arrested.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances. We appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Dickson, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.”

"Loyal Dickson helped fuel the addiction crisis and violence that has devastated too many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger. This sentence underscores the FBI and our partners' commitment to keeping our communities safe."

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.

2:24-cr-167-TOR

Clarkston, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, of Clarkston, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Dickson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised released.

Based on court documents and argument presented through the pendency of the case, a search warrant was executed on Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024 based on prior observations of distributions of drugs and possession of large amounts of methamphetamine. At the residence, law enforcement located in total approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, along with multiple firearms, including the components of a AR-style semiautomatic rifle consistent with a “ghost gun” which lacked markings or a serial number. Dickson was initially arrested and then subsequently released on state charges. Following his federal indictment, local law enforcement in Clarkston attempted to contact Dickson. Dickson fled into Idaho and engaged in a short foot pursuit with officers before being arrested.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances. We appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Dickson, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.”

"Loyal Dickson helped fuel the addiction crisis and violence that has devastated too many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger. This sentence underscores the FBI and our partners' commitment to keeping our communities safe."

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.

2:24-cr-167-TOR

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that James Anthony Stinson, age 55, of Spokane, Washington was convicted following a 3-day jury trial of 11 felonies pertaining to Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Unlawful Possession of Firearms.

Based on evidence presented during the jury trial, the investigation into Mr. Stinson began in 2021 following a series of controlled purchases of crack cocaine. Some of those purchases occurred from Mr. Stinson’s hotel room in the Spokane Valley. Based on that, law enforcement with the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on Mr. Stinson’s hotel rooms. They located distribution quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl pills, along with multiple illegally-possessed firearms as well as evidence consistent with sex trafficking. Further investigation into Mr. Stinson’s phones and other digital evidence revealed videos of Mr. Stinson threatening and violently beating a commercial sex worker. Messages on Mr. Stinson’s phones revealed his ongoing use of force, fraud, and coercion, described as an atmosphere of fear to force multiple victims to engage in sex work, as well as significant financial gains from his human trafficking and drug trafficking operations.

Mr. Stinson was previously convicted in Washington State Superior Court for Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine), for which he served 132 months and was released in 2011. In 2012, Mr. Stinson was convicted in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington for Addict and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition, for which he served 120 months in prison. At the time of his arrest in 2021, Mr. Stinson was on federal supervised release.

United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated the following: “The United States takes very seriously the safety of our neighborhoods. Crimes involving drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession are devastating to our communities. Mr. Stinson not only engaged in the distribution of controlled substances, but he also exploited multiple vulnerable women to engage in sex work.

He took advantage of their addiction and other vulnerabilities for his own benefit. Mr. Stinson is a violent predator with a lengthy criminal history, and I am grateful for the work of many law enforcement partners whose efforts led to Mr. Stinson being taken off the streets.”

“As this investigation into Mr. Stinson progressed, it revealed even more crimes, all of them harmful to the public,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Unfortunately, he did not seem to learn his lesson from prior convictions and returned to criminal activity, including distribution of dangerous drugs, illegal possession of firearms, and even sex trafficking through force and coercion. This case highlights the importance of the FBI’s Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, which was instrumental in bringing Mr. Stinson to justice and is an effective asset in keeping our Eastern Washington communities safe.”

This case was a multi-jurisdiction investigation conducted by the FBI Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, which is a partnership between the FBI, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rebecca R. Perez and Lisa Cartier-Giroux.

2:23-cr-162-TOR

Spokane, Washington – United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Lance Scott Michel, age 31, of Nespelem, Washington, to 216 months in federal prison after Michel pleaded guilty to Sexual Abuse of a Minor in Indian Country and Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Michel be placed on a lifetime term of supervised release.

According to court documents, in early 2023, Michel began communicating with various minor females on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation over social media. Michel, a then twenty-nine-year-old, provided the minor females with items such as vaping products and cartridges. After engaging in this grooming behavior, Michel sexually abused two 15 year old victims. District Court Judge Dimke noted the aggravated nature of Defendant’s crimes and applied a sentencing enhancement due to Michel’s forcible conduct against both minor victims.

“Mr. Michel targeted minors from the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation with the explicit intent to sexually abuse them. Protecting children and holding accountable those who seek to exploit and harm them are top priorities of my office,” said United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano. “We will continue to seek out and prosecute these heinous crimes thanks to our dedicated team and our FBI and tribal partners.”

"Through social media, Mr. Michel gained the trust of minors on the Colville Reservation, trust he later took advantage of in the most unthinkable way,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “There is no question that his heinous actions were entirely deserving of today's sentence. Protecting the lives and wellbeing of our nation's children from those who seek to prey on them is, and remains, a top priority for the FBI and our partners."

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Colville Tribal Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Michael J. Ellis, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

2:24-cr-00028-MKD

On September 24, 2025, the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (SER-ICAC) Task Force, comprised of detectives from the Richland and Kennewick Police Departments, Deputies from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, and Special Agents from Homeland Security Investigations, executed search and arrest warrants in Richland, Washington, and Mason City, Iowa, arising from child exploitation investigations in the Tri-Cities area.

Joseph Ralland Whipple, 34, was arrested in Mason City, Iowa, on federal charges of producing, distributing, receiving, and possessing sexually explicit images of minor children in Tri-Cities, Washington. A search warrant was executed at Whipple’s residence in Iowa and multiple electronic devices were seized. The SER-ICAC was assisted by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Department of Public Safety. Whipple made an initial court appearance in federal court in Iowa and was detained pending further proceedings in federal court in the Eastern District of Washington. Whipple has also been charged in Benton County Superior Court with two counts of Rape of a Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of Pattern of Sexual Abuse and two counts of Child Molestation in the First Degree for his alleged conduct with multiple minor children. His bail has been set at one million dollars.

Charles Lon Seltz, 57, was arrested in Richland, Washington, on state charges of Rape of a Child in the First Degree. The SER-ICAC and Richland Police Department executed a search warrant at Seltz’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Seltz was subsequently charged in Benton County Superior Court with four counts of Rape of Child in the First Degree with the Aggravating Circumstance of a Pattern of Sexual Abuse. His bail has also been set at one million dollars.

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

The case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Washington and the Northern District of Iowa and the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Health First Urgent Care, an urgent care clinic with locations in Richland and Pasco, Washington, has agreed to pay $2,807,729 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicaid for diagnostic tests.

According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Health First Urgent Care fraudulently billed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory and urinary tract infection panel testing. These panel tests were a predetermined group of medical tests used to test for multiple pathogens from a single sample obtained from a patient.

The United States and State of Washington alleged that instead of billing for a single panel test, Health First Urgent Care improperly “unbundled” the panel test and billed for each individual test comprising the panel. This resulted in overbilling to Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the State of Washington alleged that Health First Urgent Care improperly billed for panel tests that were more expensive and not medically necessary for individual patients, such as patients presenting with symptoms of Covid-19.

“Ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the requirements of Medicare and Medicaid not only maintains the integrity of these programs, but it also safeguards patients and results in better healthcare outcomes,” said Mr. Serrano. “I would like to express our appreciation for our collaboration with the Washington Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the exception investigative work performed by HHS-OIG. We will continue to ensure that fraud, waste, and abuse does not permeate federal healthcare programs.”

The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

“Medicare and Medicaid exist to make sure families’ critical medical needs are met. It is vital that we protect the integrity of these programs,” Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This settlement will help ensure these funds are put to use as intended for Washingtonians.”

“It is critical for providers to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and other taxpayer-funded health care programs lawfully and accurately. The submission of false laboratory testing claims diverts key resources away from those who rely on them, including the elderly and low-income families,” said Jeffrey C. McIntosh, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal health care programs for the benefit of the American people.”

The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant Attorney General Rachel Sterett.

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 15, 2025, District Court Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kathleen Ardith Albert, of Toppenish, Washington, to five years of federal probation for Aiding and Abetting Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. Albert is an enrolled member of the Confederated Bands and Tribes of the Yakama Nation.

The following information was made public during the legal proceedings. On May 16, 2024, Nora Saluskin-Cloud rented a room at the El Corral Motel located in Toppenish, Washington. This location has a high volume of calls for service and has long been a public safety concern to law enforcement. This hotel is now closed. The evidence in the case showed that on this occasion, Albert purchased a quantity of drugs from another subject identified as Saluskin-Cloud. Saluskin-Cloud handed Albert a firearm and accompanied Saluskin-Cloud to one of the rooms. When they entered the room, the evidence showed that Albert observed several people standing in the room in various stages of undress at which time Saluskin-Cloud picked up a machete and threated to injure the people in the room. Saluskin-Cloud ordered Albert to “watch” the people in the room and “keep” them in the room. Albert sat in a chair that blocked the people from exiting the room while she was in possession of the firearm and under the influence of controlled substance. Two of the victims managed to escape through a window and then contacted police. Saluskin-Cloud is currently in state custody on another matter.

“This was clearly a traumatic and dangerous situation for all of these victims, who were trapped in a room without their consent with someone who was armed and potentially volatile from drug use," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "It is fortunate no one was injured and at least the victims were able to escape. Together with our partners, FBI Seattle is committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout Washington state.”

Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said “I commend the courage of the victims of this crime who escaped from the room where they were held against their will by a person who was under the influence of drugs while possessing a firearm. I hope that today’s sentence is sufficient to send the message that the Defendant’s misconduct cannot be tolerated in a free and open society. It is also a tribute to the critical collaboration between federal and tribal authorities when we can bring a matter like this to a safe resolution for all involved.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse.

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Spokane, Washington – On September 18, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence.

According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers (15-CR-02068-SAB) related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. For that conduct, Judge Bastian sentenced him to 84 months in federal custody. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking and escalated to distributing thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into the community.

On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; however, the bullets were also fired in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. Additionally, but for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed.

Because Garcia was under federal supervision for his prior conviction at the time of this incident, he was arrested for violation of his supervised release and later charged with the new offenses. Working in conjunction with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, Garcia will be transferred to Spokane County to face state charges regarding the assault on the law enforcement officers.

Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, remarked on how dangerous Garcia’s conduct was: “We have zero tolerance for dangerous offenders like Garcia who pose an immediate threat to our community and our law enforcement partners. Garcia opened fire on the police in the streets of Spokane, attempting to strike several police officers. It is unconscionable that he engaged in this behavior after having just been released from prison for the same kind of violent conduct. This case highlights the importance of our partnerships between our state and federal partners and how closely we work with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.”

“Mr. Garcia was a menace to our community, both because of his fentanyl trafficking as well as his violent behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Prison is clearly the right place for him, and I am proud that DEA and our partners could facilitate his lengthy incarceration.”

This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter and Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Cartier Giroux.

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