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Spokane/East. Wash/North Idaho News Releases for Mon. Feb. 17 - 6:40 pm
Fri. 02/14/25
Spokane Valley Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Attempted Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 02/14/25 9:27 AM

Spokane, Washington -- On February 13, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Nicholas James Thieschafer, age 31, of Spokane Valley, Washington, to 25 years in federal prison on charges of production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material. Judge Rice also imposed a life term of supervised release and restitution of over $63,000, to be paid to Thieschafer's victims.

 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, a minor disclosed in February 2023 that Thieschafer had been sexually abusing the minor and had at times used his phone to take pictures.  When law enforcement executed a search warrant at Thieschafer's home and seized several electronic devices, investigators located 3,300 image and video files of child sexual abuse material, including 877 files depicting the child who made the initial disclosure. Investigators located several videos in which Thieschafer was readily identifiable as the person sexually abusing the child.

 

"Those who prey on innocent children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," said Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker.  "Protecting Eastern Washington communities--especially our most vulnerable among us--is a top priority. Our incredible team of prosecutors and support staff will continue to work tirelessly with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served."

 

"Thanks to the relentless efforts of our special agents, criminal analysts, and law enforcement partners, Mr. Thieschafer will be held accountable for his heinous crimes," said ICE HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Murphy. "This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for HSI to stay vigilant in our mission to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Our commitment to the victims of these crimes is resolute, and we will continue to collaborate closely with our partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice."

 

This case was investigated by Homeland Security, Washington State Patrol, and the Spokane Police Department, which make up the Eastern Washington Missing and Exploited Children Task Force (MECTF), a Washington State Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) affiliate. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.

 

2:23-cr-00129-TOR

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@usdoj.gov

Thu. 02/13/25
Clarkston School District to Implement Weekly Delayed Start Beginning Fall 2025 (Photo)
Clarkston School District - 02/13/25 3:57 PM

Clarkston, WA -- February 13, 2025 -- The Clarkston School District is excited to announce a new initiative to enhance student learning through dedicated professional development time for educators. Beginning in the fall of 2025, the district will implement a weekly delayed start on Wednesdays to provide time for Professional Learning Community (PLC) collaboration and district inservice.

 

Why the Change?
Research shows that when teachers have dedicated time for collaboration, professional development, and data analysis, student achievement improves. This scheduled time will allow educators to review student progress, develop strategies for instruction, and work together to enhance learning experiences--all without significantly disrupting the school day.

 

What Families Need to Know

  • Start Date: Fall 2025
  • Schedule: Schools will start one hour later on Wednesdays; dismissal times remain the same.
  • Buses: Pick-up times will be adjusted accordingly, with schedules provided in advance.
  • Breakfast: Available as usual, just one hour later.
  • Childcare: The district is surveying families to explore support options. Parents of TK-6th grade students are encouraged to complete the Parent Childcare Survey to help us assess needs and potential solutions. The survey can be accessed here: https://forms.gle/uVR6yk3U8aUHgeMA6.

How Will This Benefit Students?

During PLC time, teachers will:
     - Analyze student data to identify learning needs.
     - Plan and improve lessons to support academic growth.
     - Share best practices and strategies to enhance instruction.
     - Ensure all students receive the help they need to succeed.

 

Staying Informed
Families will receive updates throughout the year, including schedules, transportation details, and additional resources. A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is available to help answer common concerns.

 

For more information, please contact your school principal.



###

Keri Myklebust, Executive Assistant To The Superintendent
Clarkston School District
MyklebustK@csdk12.org
(509) 769-6338



Attached Media Files: Delayed Start FAQ

Wed. 02/12/25
Spokane Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 02/12/25 12:31 PM
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http://www.flashalert.net/images/news/2025-02/6857/178968/perrin_2.jpg

Spokane, Washington -- On February 11, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Dustin T. Perrin, age 41, of Spokane, Washington, to 96 months in prison for several bank robberies. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $9,224.00.

 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on October 13, 2023, Perrin entered the First Interstate Bank brank at 57th Avenue and Regal in Spokane. Perrin was wearing a wig under his hat. Perrin handed a bank teller a bag and a handwritten note demanding the teller put cash in a bag. Perrin also warned the teller about activating the silent alarm. The teller handed Perrin $1,986 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on a bike and headed north.

 

Perrin left the note at the bank. It was collected by law enforcement and sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. DNA analysis later confirmed Perrin's DNA on the note.

 

On November 17, 2023, Perrin rode his bike to the Numerica Credit Union branch on South Regal Street in Spokane, just a half mile from the bank Perrin robbed one month earlier. Perrin entered the bank, handed two bank tellers one bag each, and demanded the tellers put money in the bags. The tellers handed Perrin a total of $5,238 in cash. Perrin then left the bank on his bike.

 

Perrin went to a Wal-Mart store that night. A security camera recorded him spreading out a large amount of cash while making a purchase.

 

On January 22, 2024, Perrin rode his bike to a Washington Trust Bank branch located at 27 E. Indiana Avenue in Spokane. Perrin entered the bank wearing a blond wig. Perrin handed the teller a small bag and told the teller to put money in the bag. Perrin also warned the teller he had a gun and "not to do anything stupid," while he pointed at a lump in his jacket. The teller handed Perrin $2,000 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on his bike.

 

"For the people of Eastern Washington, their banks should be places of trust and security -- not fear," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. "Mr. Perrin's repeated acts of intimidation and theft put innocent employees and community members at risk. As today's sentence makes clear, violent crime will not be tolerated in Eastern Washington, and the U.S. Attorney's Office will continue working alongside our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect the safety if neighborhoods and communities in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington."

 

"Today we, together with our law enforcement partners, are holding Mr. Perrin responsible for stealing from three different federally insured financial institutions," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "We are grateful no one was hurt, but this kind of violent crime terrorizes our communities nonetheless and is completely unacceptable."

 

"Today's successful prosecution of Mr. Perrin is a testament to the strong partnership of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and our commitment to keep our community safe," stated Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.     

 

This case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich.

 

2:24-cr-00075-MKD

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: perrin 2.jpg , perrin 4.jpg , perrin 5.jpg

Mexico Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing More than Eight Pounds of Methamphetamine
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 02/12/25 12:07 PM

Yakima, Washington -- On February 10, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Santiago Rojas-Rangel ("Charapo"), age 51, of Mexico, to 151 months in prison on methamphetamine distribution charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release. When imposing the sentence, Judge Dimke noted Rojas-Rangel's "complete and utter lack of respect for the law in this country."

 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in early 2024 agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Rojas-Rangel was selling methamphetamine in and around Yakima, Washington.  Between February and May 2024, the DEA conducted several controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Rojas-Rangel totaling approximately 8 pounds. The purchase of the illegal drugs was carefully monitored and controlled by DEA agents.

 

Ramirez Sanchez was previously convicted in Yakima County Superior Court on two counts of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Methamphetamine in December 2019 for offenses that occurred in 2016.  He was sentenced to a total of 44 months and 1 day of confinement. Rojas-Rangel has also previously been deported from the United States and illegally re-entered, before engaging in further drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Washington.

 

"The U.S. Attorney's Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of dangerous repeat drug offenders," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. "Mr. Rojas-Rangel entered the United States illegally and then distributed large quantities of methamphetamine into the Yakima community.  I am grateful for the dedication of our federal, state, and local partners and for the incredible team of prosecutors, who dedicate their careers to keeping our communities safe."

 

"Methamphetamine traffickers prey on their communities for profit," said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. "The Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners work especially hard to ensure accountability for repeat drug offenders, like Mr. Rojas-Rangel, with this richly deserved prison sentence."

 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.

 

1:24-cr-02045-MKD

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@usdoj.gov

Richard R. Barker to Serve as Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington (Photo)
U.S. Attorney's Office - Eastern Dist. of Wash. - 02/12/25 12:00 PM
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Spokane, Washington -- Following the recent resignation of the Honorable Vanessa R. Waldref, and by operation of the Vacancies Reform Act, Richard R. Barker is now serving as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

 

Acting United States Attorney Barker has over a decade of experience as a career prosecutor, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014.  During his career, Barker has held the positions of First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator, Digital Asset Coordinator, and Public Affairs Officer.  From 2014 -- 2019, Barker served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the nation's capital, where he served as a dedicated homicide prosecutor.  In early 2019, Barker joined the Eastern District of Washington, serving as an Assistant United States Attorney ("AUSA") in the Spokane office. 

 

Acting United States Attorney Barker has dedicated his career to serving victims of violent crime, while handling numerous homicide and violent crime cases. Late last year, Barker was lead counsel with AUSA Michael J. Ellis in the trial of Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for the double murder of two Tribal members and the attempted murder of a federal officer on the Colville Indian Reservation. In 2023, Barker successfully prosecuted Ronald Craig Ilg, who attempted to hire hitmen on the dark web to harm his wife and a former work colleague. 

 

Throughout his career, Acting United States Attorney Barker also has handled several significant drug trafficking prosecutions.  In 2023, Barker and AUSA Stephanie Van Marter prosecuted the "Fetty Bros" Drug Trafficking Organization, which was distributing hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and other drugs into Eastern Washington and using extreme violence to insulate their organization. Barker later served as lead counsel in the removal of more than 161,000 fentanyl-laced pills and 80 pounds of methamphetamine from rural Washington. In his efforts to further address the fentanyl crisis, Barker worked closely with now former U.S. Attorney Waldref and the City of Spokane to create a Special U.S. Assistant Attorney position focused on prosecuting those responsible for illegal narcotics impacting the Spokane area.

 

As First Assistant United States Attorney, Barker has supervised the U.S. Attorney's Office's litigating units, which include the Criminal, Civil, and Appellate Divisions. As the Chief Deputy to the U.S. Attorney, Barker helped establish the District's dedicated Appellate Division and worked closely with the Office's administrative team to obtain additional DOJ resources for increasing public safety throughout Eastern Washington. Barker also played a pivotal role in opening the District's Branch Office in Richland Washington, and he has been instrumental in the office's efforts to increase resources for prosecuting cases on Native American Reservations.  In early 2024, Barker played a key role in hiring the district's first MMIP AUSA, who is fully dedicated to prosecuting cases of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People.  For Barker's dedication to working with Native American communities and improving public safety, he received a Department of Justice Director's Award in 2024. 

 

"I have loved serving as a federal prosecutor and working so closely with federal, state, local, and Tribal leaders to seek justice and protect our communities," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. "The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington has an incredible team of attorneys and support staff, who are fully dedicated to protecting the citizens of Eastern Washington and our nation. It is truly inspiring to serve alongside such an excellent group of professionals, who have dedicated their careers to doing the right thing each and every day."   

 

Outgoing U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, "Acting U.S. Attorney Barker is an exceptional leader, a gifted attorney, and a tireless advocate for justice. His unwavering dedication to protecting the communities of Eastern Washington is evident in everything he does. It has been an honor to work alongside him as my First Assistant, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve with integrity, determination, and a deep commitment to upholding the law, as he takes on this new role as the chief law enforcement officer for the Eastern District of Washington."

 

Acting United States Attorney Barker graduated with highest honors from Brigham Young University Law School. After graduation, Barker clerked for the Honorable J. Clifford Wallace on the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Honorable G. Murray Snow on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona.  Following his clerkships, Acting United States Attorney Barker worked in private practice for Davis Polk, LLP, in Washington D.C.

 

Outside the U.S. Attorney's Office, Barker serves as an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, where he has taught courses in Trial Advocacy and Conflicts of Law. Barker also serves as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. 

Robert Curry
Public Affairs Specialist
USAWAE.Media@usdoj.gov



Attached Media Files: RRB.jpg