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

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

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

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

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

2:24-cr-00085-TOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:24-cr-00021-TOR

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Summer 2024 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 74 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $20,745,200.
• This includes more than $1.1 million through 4 grants to nonprofits serving the Idaho community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.4 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

Today, the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust published its Summer 2024 Grants Report. The report announces:

• 74 total grants to Pacific Northwest nonprofits totaling $20,745,200.
• This includes more than $4.3 million through 17 grants to nonprofits serving the Washington community.
• The report can be found here. A full list of grantees can be found here.

The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is a private, nonprofit foundation that has invested more than $1.4 billion in nonprofits serving the Pacific Northwest since 1975. For details, please visit our website murdocktrust.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MEDFORD, Ore. — Do you want to spend two weeks creating art surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument? The Bureau of Land Management invites artists to apply for the annual Artist-in-Residence program. The selected artist receives a one- to two-week residency at CSNM in the month of June. 

Selected artists will create work while immersed in a beautiful environment and share their art with the public. Applications are welcomed from all artists, regardless of style or medium. 

“Artists offer a unique perspective on these remarkable landscapes,” said Joel Brumm, Assistant Monument Manager. “Their work provides a captivating lens through which we can explore our connection to public lands.” 

Now in its ninth year, the Artist-in-Residence program has allowed numerous artists to transform the monument's natural and cultural resources into visual art, objects, and performances. 

Last year’s Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument Artist-in-Residence was Serena Richelle, a gifted scientific illustrator who spent her time studying and sketching the Monument’s unique species. Prospective applicants can see her describe her experience firsthand.

During their residency, the artist will share their experience and artistic vision in a public presentation. Following the residency, artists are asked to donate an original artwork piece, which they will retain the rights to.   

One artist and one alternate will be selected based on the following criteria: entry materials, residency proposal, professionalism, and creative vision.

Interested artists can learn more information and an application at the Artist-in-Residence website (https://bit.ly/CSNMart), by e-mailing jduwe@blm.gov, or by calling  (541) 618-2320. Detailed instructions are on the application form. Applications must be submitted by January 24, 2025. Application materials and sample artwork should be submitted in a single email with attachments or links to jduwe@blm.gov.

Those wishing to learn more about the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument information can do so on the CSNM’s website.

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:23-cr-00074-MKD

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

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

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

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

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

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

2:24-cr-00034-MKD.