Justice Department To Surge Resources To Indian Country To Investigate Unresolved Violent Crimes -04/02/25

Operation Not Forgotten Will Surge 60 FBI Personnel to 10 FBI Field Offices to Support Investigations of Indian Country Violent Crimes

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department today announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons.

FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period.  This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date.  FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions.

FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable.  U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals.

“Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi.

“The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on Tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is committed to seeking justice on behalf of victims of violent crime,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Working side-by-side with Tribal leaders, as well as federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, my office is prepared to devote the resources that are necessary to ensure the safety and security of everyone that calls Eastern Washington home.”

Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization.  At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations.

Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives.  This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years.  Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints.

Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. 

The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United Stated—including the Eastern District of Washington—to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people. 

“For far too long, American Indian and Alaska Native people have faced unacceptably high levels of violence,” said MMIP AUSA Bree R. Black Horse.  “Targeted efforts like Operation Not Forgotten and the MMIP Regional Outreach Program will help ensure that violent crimes in Indian country will be timely investigated and resolved, which will improve public safety throughout Tribal communities.”

Violent Drug Dealers Who Attempted To Shoot And Kill A Spokane Police Officer Sentenced To Decades In Prison -03/28/25

Spokane, Washington - Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced today that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Ray Anthony Wynecoop, age 24, to 30 years in prison and Isaac Anthony Ott, age 23, to 25 years in prison on federal drug and firearm charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 8 years of supervised release for both Wynecoop and Ott.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on December 11, 2021, an officer with the Spokane Police Department (SPD) observed Wynecoop, who was driving a white Dodge Charger with no license plates, fail to use a turn signal. SPD attempted to conduct a traffic stop using the patrol car’s lights and siren. Instead of stopping, Wynecoop began driving erratically in attempt to elude SPD, including by driving at excessive speeds on residential streets. SPD stopped the chase when it became too dangerous.

A short time later, SPD located the Dodge Charger and observed that it had been involved in a crash. Wynecoop attempted to run from the scene but was arrested.

During a search of the Charger, law enforcement located a loaded 9mm pistol with a black laser mounted on the end of the barrel, a backpack with Wynecoop’s ID and two more lasers for the pistol. Officers also located a .380 semi-automatic pistol inside the vehicle, as well as a fanny pack that contained once ounce of heroin and fentanyl-laced pills.

Approximately six months later, on June 26, 2022, Wynecoop was armed with a .22 caliber pistol that had a loaded drum-style high-capacity magazine seated in the firearm. Ott was armed with a shotgun.  Armed with these firearms, which neither was permitted possess, Wynecoop and Ott, committed multiple drive-by shootings.  During the shooting spree, officers responded to these shootings and were intentionally targeted by Wynecoop and Ott.  The two defendants even sat in wait looking for a police officer to kill, while Ott filmed it. An SPD Officer drove by, and they immediately began to pursue to carry out their murderous intent.  When a second officer came to their aid, Wynecoop opened fire, shooting the officer in the leg and the head. The officer thankfully recovered from his injuries.

During a search of the vehicle used by Wynecoop and Ott in the shooting, detectives located the two firearms, a large volume of spent shell casings, approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, a small quantity of heroin, and other drug related items.

The United States Attorney’s Office immediately began to work with the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriffs Officer and the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office to provide support and charge relevant federal offenses.  This case highlights the importance of those partnerships and the one team approach against such intentional violence targeting the public and law enforcement. 

In April of 2024, Wynecoop was sentenced in Washington State Court to more than 65 years in prison and Ott was sentenced to 40 years in prison on multiple charges in connection to the shooting. The federal case was brought during the pendency of those state charges.

“Notwithstanding their prior felony convictions, Wynecoop and Ott illegally possessed firearms with the express purpose of murdering Spokane Police,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker. “I am humbled by the dedication of federal, state, and local law enforcement, who put their lives on the line every day to protect Eastern Washington communities.  We all are indebted to the officers in this case, who bravely risked their lives to ensure both Wynecoop and Ott were held accountable for these terrible crimes.”

“Drug trafficking and gun violence too often goes hand-in-hand, as Mr. Ott and Mr. Wynecoop emphatically demonstrated,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Their incarceration clearly makes Spokane a safer place and I am glad that the Drug Enforcement Administration and our partners in the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office could a stop to their spree of violence.”

“Thanks to the quick and meaningful collaboration of local and federal partners, the Spokane community is a safer place with these two behind bars,” stated Preston McCollam, Chief Criminal Deputy for the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  “The intentional broad daylight assaults on uniformed Spokane Police Officers on June 26, 2022, highlights the gratuitous acts of violence (gang or otherwise) that are all too common in our community and puts into perspective the clear and present danger our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day they suit up and start their shifts. The ready availability of fentanyl and other controlled substances in our community creates a dangerous environment for all Spokane residents to reside and work, and this sad reality is acutely felt by our law enforcement officers who are daily tasked with responding to calls for help no matter when or where that call may come.”  

Chief Criminal Deputy McCollam continued, “As it happened here SPD officers were responding to multiple drive-by shootings committed by Ott and Wynecoop in a residential neighborhood, when they were intentionally and violently ambushed by the waiting pair. Both involved officers narrowly escaped fatal consequences thanks to the hard work and partnerships of the Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Attorney’s Office, and the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office.”

“The actions of these violent offenders represent the most extreme and calculated threat our officers and community can face,” said Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall. “Their deliberate attempt to murder a Spokane Police Officer while terrorizing neighborhoods with gunfire and trafficking narcotics is a stark reminder of the dangers our officers confront daily. I am incredibly proud of the bravery, professionalism, and resilience shown by the involved officers, and deeply grateful for the seamless collaboration among our federal, state, and local partners. These lengthy sentences send a clear message: attacks on law enforcement and the endangerment of our community will be met with unwavering resolve and justice.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter in partnership with Preston McCollam with the Spokane Prosecutors Office.

Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker released a video statement that can be found here. 

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Pasco Drug Dealer Who Attempted Assault A Richland Police Officer Sentenced To More Than 10 Years In Prison For Trafficking Fentanyl -03/27/25

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Leonardo Daniel Martinez, age 32, of Pasco, Washington to 125 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 20, 2022, Richland Police Department (RPD) officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a house involving Martinez. Officers told Martinez to leave, but he refused and attempted to assault an officer. Officers took Martinez into custody, and during the arrest pat down, found a 9mm handgun on Martinez’s person.  At the time he possessed the handgun, Martinez was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his criminal history, which included a domestic violence conviction.

Inside of Martinez’s dark blue BMW, RPD located an additional handgun, 10,179 fentanyl pills, $72,354 in cash, a small quantity of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and three cell phones. 

“Domestic violence is a significant source of firearm-related crime in Eastern Washington and in the Tri-Cities area. Domestic violence offenders are far more likely to engage in intimate partner violence as well as violence directed at law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “This danger is further exasperated when offenders, like Mr. Martinez, possess large quantities of dangerous narcotics.  I am grateful for the dedication of the DEA and Richland Police Department for their diligent work in removing large volumes of dangerous fentanyl from our communities.”   

“Mr. Martinez disregarded the safety of those around him by engaging in domestic violence, attempting to assault a police officer, carrying a handgun, and possessing enough fentanyl to potentially kill almost 6,000 people,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our community is safer with Mr. Martinez behind bars, and I am gratified that the Drug Enforcement Administration could help the Richland Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office make that happen.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Van Marter and Brandon L. Pang.

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Omak Man Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Violently Assaulting His Intimate Partner -03/26/25

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Louis Lee Zacherle, age 37, of Omak, Washington, was sentenced for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Spouse, Intimate Partner, or Dating Partner in Indian Country. Zacherle was convicted on August 13, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 60 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. 

According to court documents and information presented at the trial and sentencing, on the evening of December 7, 2023, Zacherle began arguing with his intimate partner at a home on the Colville Indian Reservation. During the argument, Zacherle went out to the shed, grabbed an ax, came back into the kitchen, and began smashing the kitchen cabinets. Zacherle then hit his intimate partner in the face, knocking her down. Zacherle, who was wearing boots, proceeded to kick the victim several times as she was lying on the ground.

At the hospital, doctors treated the victim for injuries to her face and scalp, as well as two broken ribs.  The victim also had to be treated for a condition in which air leaked out of her lung and into her chest wall.

“Domestic violence is one of the root causes underlying the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis impacting Native American Communities,” stated Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker. “Through DOJ’s Office on Violence Against Women, our office has a dedicated Special Assistant United States Attorney, Michael Vander Giessen, who handles many of the domestic violence cases that arise on Tribal land in Eastern Washington. With SAUSA Vander Giessen in this role – and as a result of our close partnerships with the Kalispel, Spokane, and Colville Tribes – the U.S. Attorney’s Office is able to seek justice in more of these cases, ensuring domestic violence victims are heard before it is too late.” 

“What began as a disagreement quickly turned into a brutal assault resulting in serious injury.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim survived and stood up for herself, leading to Mr. Zacherle being held accountable for his violence with a federal prison sentence. The FBI and our partners will not tolerate domestic violence on our state’s reservations, and it is a crime we will vigorously investigate.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Colville Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen and former Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Ohms.

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Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen recorded a video statement that can be found here. 

Joshawa Max Estrada Sentenced To Federal Prison For His Role In The Murder Of Jedidah Iesha Moreno -03/26/25

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Joshawa Max Estrada, age 27, to 100 months in federal prison on one count of Accessory After the Fact for his role in the October 2018 murder of Jedidah Iesha Moreno.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, 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, which was placed in a freezer and dumped near a towing service in Toppenish, Washington. 

The following day, October 6, 2018, Moreno and Andrew Norris Zack got into an argument at a residence known as the Estrada Ranch located in Wapato, Washington. Moreno took out a gun and fired multiple gunshots into a garage, where Zack was in the bathroom.  One of these shots struck Zack’s hand. 

Around the same time that Zack was shot, Uriel Balentin Badillo was at Legends Casino. Badillo received a call that Zack was in trouble, and Badillo drove out to the residence, where he found Moreno standing in a field. When Badillo asked about Zack, Moreno was unresponsive. Badillo then drove Moreno to the House of Souls (where Rosenda Strong had been killed the day before), to look for Zack.  When Badillo and Moreno arrived, a female came out of the House of Souls and said, “gag the bitch up.” After a sock was placed into Moreno’s mouth, Badillo and the female drove Moreno back to the Estrada Ranch.  There, Moreno was physically restrained, bound with a cargo strap and duct tape, and forced into a Chevrolet Impala. Badillo then shot into the trunk of the car several times with a .45 caliber pistol, striking Moreno.  Later that day, two juveniles transported Moreno’s body to another location on the Yakama Nation.  One of the juveniles then fired additional rounds into Moreno’s body.

The next day, Estrada spoke to Badillo, Zack, and the juvenile.  When Estrada learned that Badillo had murdered Moreno and that her body had been dumped in a non-discrete location.  Estrada teased the juvenile for dumping the body in such a visible place. Badillo then asked Estrada to move Moreno’s body and get rid of the cargo strap around her body because Badillo was worried he might have left his DNA and/or fingerprints on the cargo strap. Estrada and the one of the juveniles then located Moreno’s body and moved it to a more secluded location near White Swan, Washington. As directed by Badillo, Estrada also removed the cargo strap from Moreno’s body.  After moving the body to a more concealed location, the juvenile fired additional gunshots into Moreno’s body.

Later that same day, Estrada and the juvenile traveled back to Wapato to meet with Zack and Badillo. Estrada handed Badillo the cargo strap that had been removed from Moreno’s body so that Badillo could destroy the evidence.

On November 28, 2018, a citizen discovered Moreno’s remains and immediately contacted law enforcement.

“The families in the Rosenda Strong and Jedidah Iesha Moreno cases have waited years to obtain some measure of justice on behalf of their loved ones,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker.  “I am grateful for the eyewitnesses, who came forward in this case and helped the FBI and Yakama Nation Tribal Police identify those responsible for these terrible murders.  To those who have information about unsolved missing or murdered indigenous people cases, I implore you to come forward and help bring a measure of closure to the families that continue to grieve.” 

“Mr. Estrada is yet another defendant to be held accountable in this tragic case, which the FBI and our partners have been investigating since 2018.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While prison sentences can bring justice and a sense of closure for loved ones, ultimately nothing can bring back the victims of the multiple homicides in which the defendant played a role.  I commend the investigators in this case and others involving violent crime on our state’s reservations. They consistently pursue justice, 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 Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.

Defendants Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehm, and Uriel Balentin Badillo have all pleaded guilty to charges in this case. Michael Lee Moody pleaded guilty to charges in this case and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison.

Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker released a video statement that can be found here. 

Ellensburg Sex Offender Sentenced To Federal Prison For Downloading Child Sexual Abuse Material -03/26/25

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Aaron Edger Dollarhide, age 39, of Ellensburg, Washington, to 180 months in prison on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography, after a prior conviction for a similar offense. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 5 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 19, 2022, Homeland Security Investigation agents and Ellensburg police officers served a search warrant at Dollarhide’s Ellensburg home. Agents seized Dollarhide’s phone pursuant to that warrant.

Investigators completed a forensic review of Dollarhide’s phone and learned that on January 18, 2022, Dollarhide had downloaded a folder of digital files containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators also located 687 additional videos on the phone depicting children being sexually abused.

Ten years earlier, in 2012, Dollarhide had been sentenced to prison following a conviction for Second Degree Child Molestation in Yakima County Superior Court.

“Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community and holding individuals accountable for exploiting children,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Dollarhide’s actions of repeatedly downloading and possessing child pornography, despite a prior conviction for molesting a child, demonstrate a disturbing disregard for the safety and well-being of children. Our office will continue to pursue and prosecute those who exploit children, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those who do harm young children will face the full consequences of their actions.”

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.

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Indian National Found Guilty Of Possession With Intent To Distribute More Than 170 Pounds Of MDMA In Eastern Washington (Photo) -03/19/25

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that a jury returned a verdict in the federal trial of Jaskaran Singh, age 31, who is a native of Gujarat, India. Singh was found guilty of Possession with Intent to Distribute 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), which is more commonly known as “Ecstasy” or “Molly.” United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice presided over Singh’s trial, which began March 17, 2025. At sentencing, which is set for June 25, 2025, Singh faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years. He may also face removal from the United States. 

The evidence presented at trial established that on April 29, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., three unknown individuals tripped motion sensor cameras in a remote area just south of the U.S.-Canada border, approximately one-half-mile west of the Danville, Washington port of entry. U.S. Border Patrol officials at the Curlew Border Patrol Station saw images of these individuals, who had crossed into the United States from Canada and were carrying backpacks and a suitcase. From the U.S. side of the border, the only route to drive into or out of this area is an unestablished dead end, dirt road known as Fourth of July Creek Road.

Minutes later, Border Patrol observed a 2014 Honda Odyssey traveling east on Fourth of July Creek Road. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area and stopped Singh, who was driving the rented Honda Odyssey away from the U.S. Canada border.

From outside the van, Border Patrol agents observed backpacks and suitcase in the rear cargo area of the Odyssey. The backpacks and suitcase were same as those carried across the border by the three individuals, who tripped the motion sensor cameras just a few minutes earlier. Border Patrol Agents obtained authorization to search the van and seized 173.7 pounds of MDMA stored inside the backpacks and suitcase.  Investigators later located a map of the area on Singh’s phone and messages detailing where Singh should go, when he should arrive, and directing him to “leave the back hood open.”

Testimony at trial established that the three men transported the MDMA from the Canadian side of the border by carrying the backpacks and suitcase through approximately 300 yards of remote wilderness to where Singh had parked the rented Odyssey van.  The three men then returned to the Canadian side of the border, escaping apprehension by law enforcement. 

Just one day before the massive seizure, Singh traveled from Northern California to Washington State. Singh had purchased his ticket just prior to the flight and then rented a car in Seattle, before driving to the remote area where the drugs were smuggled across the U.S.-Canada border. 

“Mr. Singh trafficked more than 170 pounds of illegal drugs across our northern border into the United States,” stated Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker. This seizure, which was one of the largest ever in Eastern Washington, had a street value exceeding $7.8 million. Today’s guilty verdict sends a clear message that those who seek to exploit our nation’s borders by flooding our communities with dangerous controlled substances will be held accountable for their crimes.”

“The transnational drug trafficking organization for whom Singh worked had identified the ideal, isolated location in rural Washington to smuggle illegal drugs across the northern border,” continued Acting United States Attorney Barker. “Fortunately, our team of experienced Border Patrol agents were ready, and they intercepted this poison before it could harm communities in Eastern Washington.”

“International drug traffickers like Mr. Singh profit by flooding our country with illicit, dangerous drugs that harm our citizens,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “I am gratified that we, at the Drug Enforcement Administration, can stand with our partners in the U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold people like Mr. Singh accountable for their crimes.” 

“Spokane Sector agents are vigilantly safeguarding our borders, swiftly detecting, and interdicting cross-border smuggling activities. This conviction highlights the Spokane Border Patrol Sector’s unwavering commitment to protecting communities from illicit drugs and those who attempt to smuggle them across our borders,” said Jason Liebe, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Spokane Sector for the U.S. Border Patrol.

This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Dan Fruchter.

Acting U.S. Attorney Barker released a video statment that can be viewed here. 

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Tonasket Man Charged With Receiving And Possessing Sexually Explicit Material From Minors -03/17/25

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that Daniel John Kraft, age 41, was charged by criminal complaint on one count of Receipt of Child Pornography and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. Kraft was arraigned in federal court on March 10, 2025.

According to court documents, in September 2024, the Sanders County Montana Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) developed information that Snapchat user “smokeweed5468” was soliciting sexual images from a minor. “Smokeweed5468” also told the minor he knew where they lived and threatened to kidnap the minor and take them to Mexico.

Investigators obtained a warrant for the Snapchat account for “smokeweed5468.” The records from Snapchat contained more than a dozen sexually explicit videos of minors. “Smokeweed5468” also used Snapchat to offer the minors drugs and money and asked if the minors would be willing to sneak out and meet with him. 

Investigators learned the Snapchat account was allegedly being used at home in Tonasket, Washington, owned by Kraft. The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) confirmed Kraft lived at the home. OCSO also confirmed Kraft was a registered sex offender for violations committed in 2013.

On March 5, 2025, the Washington State Patrol took Kraft into custody at his home in Tonasket. Investigators seized several electronic devices. A search of Kraft’s cellphone allegedly revealed Snapchat running in the background of the device. In addition, investigators allegedly located several sexually explicit images involving minors on Kraft’s phone that were also on the “smokeweed5468” Snapchat account.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, the Eastern Region Washington Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, and the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.

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

Wapato Man Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing Three Children -03/17/25

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that a jury returned a verdict in the trial of Jose Antonio Saldana, age 43 of Wapato, Washington. Saldana was found guilty of three counts of Abusive Sexual Contact and of Aggravated Sexual Abuse.

Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning in August 1999, and continuing to January 2014, Saldana sexually abused three children under the age of 13 in Wapato, Washington. During trial, the victims recounted the abuse they suffered, which included Saldana touching them under their clothing and attempting to sexually abuse one of the victims.   

United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke presided over the trial for Saldana, which began March 10, 2024. Sentencing in this matter is set for June 16, 2025, in Yakima, Washington.

“The victims who came forward in this case demonstrated tremendous courage and bravery,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker.  “Many victims who experience childhood sexual abuse do not disclose the events to others soon after they occur. At the trial in this case, three young victims testified years after the abuse they had suffered and identified Mr. Saldana as their abuser. The jury heard their voices and found Mr. Saldana guilty of the abuse he inflicted for more than two decades.  For his horrific crimes, Mr. Saldana will face a sentence of thirty years to life.”

“In this devastating case, Mr. Saldana abused multiple children for more than a decade on the Yakama Nation Reservation, even though he was not a tribal member himself,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The FBI is committed to enforcing federal laws to protect our tribal communities, and all our communities, from abuse and violence, especially the most vulnerable members of our society: our children.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.

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Pasco Tow Truck Operator Charged With Firearm Offense -03/14/25

Richland, Washington – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced today that Socorro Jesus Lopez-Spindola, 59, has been charged by criminal complaint with one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Lopez-Spindola was arraigned on March 13, 2025, before the U.S. District Court in Richland, Washington.

According to court documents, in November of 2024, Pasco Police detained Lopez-Spindola in connection to an investigation involving robbery, extortion, and threats to kill. Pasco Police also obtained a search warrant for the business Classic Towing and Recovery, which is owned and operated by Lopez-Spindola. During a search of Lopez-Spindola’s office, investigators allegedly located a loaded .22 caliber revolver in a desk drawer.

Prior to November of 2024, Lopez-Spindola had been convicted of a number of crimes, including an Unlawful Reentry after Deportation conviction.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Pasco Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brandon L. Pang.

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

Michael Lee Moody Sentenced To Federal Prison For His Role In The Murder Of Rosenda Strong -03/12/25

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Michael Lee Moody, 44, to 87 months in federal prison on one count of Accessory After the Fact for his role in the October 2018 murder of Rosenda Strong.

According to court documents and evidence presented at the sentencing hearing, 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.  A tarp was placed over Strong’ body and Andrew Norris Zack and Jamaal Pimms rolled her 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 near M&R Towing, which is off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington.

The following day, Moreno and Zack traveled to a residence known as the Estrada Ranch located in Wapato, Washington. An argument ensued between Moreno and Zack.  Zack entered a garage to urinate.  Moreno took out a gun and fired multiple shots into the garage.  One of the rounds struck Zack’s hand causing minor damage.  As all of this occurred, Uriel Balentin Badillo was at Legends Casino. Badillo received a call that Zack was in trouble. Badillo drove out to the residence and found Moreno standing in a field. Badillo asked Moreno about Zack but Moreno was unresponsive.  Badillo then drove Moreno to the House of Souls to look for Zack.  Presumably, by this time, Zack had called someone at the House of Souls and told them that Moreno had just shot him.  A female exited the House of Souls and said “gag the bitch up.”  A sock was placed into Moreno’s mouth.  Badillo and the female transported Moreno back to the Estrada Ranch.  After her arrival, Moreno was physically restrained, bound with a cargo strap and duct tape, and forced into a Chevrolet Impala.  Badillo shot into the truck several times with a .45 caliber pistol, striking Moreno.  Later that day, a male juvenile and a female juvenile moved the body to another location on the Yakama Nation.  One of the juveniles also fired additional rounds into Moreno’s body.

The following day, Joshawa Max Estrada and the male juvenile located and again moved Moreno’s body – taking it to a more secluded location near White Swan, Washington, in an attempt to conceal the crime. Estrada and Michael Moody attempted to hide the Chevrolet Impala by submerging it in a pond; however, law enforcement later recovered the Impala.  Moreno’s body also was later found, when a concerned citizen located Moreno’s remains on November 28, 2018.

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. 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, and Yakama Nation Tribal Police worked for years to bring to justice those responsible for Rosenda Strong’s tragic death and the subsequent coverup,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker. “While we could not publicly comment on the investigation while it was ongoing, the Assistant United States Attorneys, FBI agents, and Tribal Police officers were working tirelessly to seek justice for those responsible and obtain some measure of closure for the surviving members of the Strong family. For more than five years, Cissy Strong and the Strong family have been resolute in their pursuit of justice for Rosenda.  I am grateful for the dedication of Assistant United States Attorneys Tom Hanlon and Michael Murphy, who devoted countless hours to seeking justice on behalf of Rosenda and her family.” 

“Together with our partners, FBI Seattle is committed to investigating crimes on tribal lands no matter how long it takes,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “We know each victim's loss leaves a painful gap in their community and that community wants answers. We hope this case serves as a reminder that even if the investigation takes years, we will never give up on seeking justice for victims and their loved ones.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Yakama Nation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Thomas J. Hanlon and Michael D. Murphy.

Defendants Andrew Norris Zack, Jamaal Antwan Pimms, Kevin Todd Brehm, Joshawa Max Estrada and Uriel Balentin Badillo have all pleaded guilty to charges in this case.

1:23-cr-02037-SAB

Yakima Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing Kalispel Tribal Cultural Items From The Northern Quest Resort And Casino (Photo) -03/12/25

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on March 12, 2025, Kevin William Wissman, age 61, of Yakima, Washington, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington to one misdemeanor count of theft from an Indian tribal organization.

Based on court documents and information presented at the change-of-plea hearing, on October 30, 2020, Wissman stole five moccasins and one beaded glove that were on display in the Heritage Hall of the Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Airway Heights, Washington. The items were displayed inside a shadow box and behind a glass display window at the time Wissman stole them. To date, the stolen items have not been recovered.

“This theft was devastating to the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the individuals who lost their invaluable family heirlooms,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “My office takes seriously the theft of any Indian cultural items and will continue to hold accountable those who illegally take, possess, or traffic in such items.”

“To the Kalispel Tribe, these are not just decorative items in a display case, but rather priceless and irreplaceable pieces of the Kalispel’s history,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Together with our tribal and federal partners, FBI Seattle will not accept the theft of cultural items and will work to reinforce the consequences of these actions to deter other would-be thieves.”

“We’re grateful to the Kalispel Tribal Police Department and the FBI for tracking down the person responsible for the theft of these cherished family heirlooms,” said Nick Pierre, a Kalispel Tribal Council Member and General Manager of Northern Quest Resort & Casino. “While we hope justice will be served, it doesn’t make up for the fact that the items have still not been recovered. The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is offering a $25,000 reward for information that leads to the safe return of the stolen items. We encourage anyone with information to please come forward.”

To report information about the stolen items, please contact the Kalispel Tribal Police Department at (509) 481-4444.

United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice accepted Wissman’s guilty plea and set sentencing for June 12, 2025, at 1:30 pm.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Kalispel Tribal Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael L. Vander Giessen.

2:23-cr-00116-TOR

Hanford Site Subcontractor Sentenced For Stealing COVID-19 Relief Funding, Owner Pays $1.1 Million In Restitution And Penalties -03/11/25

Richland, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced today that BNL Technical Services, LLC (BNL), was sentenced for a fraudulent scheme to obtain COVID-19 relief funding.  Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian ordered BNL to pay restitution in the amount of $493,865.  The Court further sentenced BNL to one year of probation to ensure that the restitution is paid promptly and in full. Acting U.S. Attorney Barker further announced that BNL’s owner, Wilson Pershing Stevenson III, of Nashville, Tennessee, paid $1,105,498 as part of an affirmative civil fraud settlement in the case to resolve his individual liability arising from BNL’s receipt of COVID relief funding.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between 2020 and 2021, BNL provided contract labor services to Hanford Site prime contractors.  BNL’s labor costs and payroll continued to be paid by DOE throughout the pandemic, including when BNL employees were not able to physically work at the site and instead were teleworking or simply home in “ready” status.

In April of 2020, BNL applied for and received a $493,865 loan as part of the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Congress created the PPP in March 2020 as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide funding to small businesses in order to mitigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for small and local businesses. PPP loans were fully guaranteed by the United States, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may grant a small business borrower forgiveness so long as the loan proceeds have been used for payroll and other eligible expenses.

BNL fraudulently sought and obtained PPP funding for BNL employees despite their pay and benefits already being covered by DOE contract funds and other federal sources including the Veterans Administration. Shortly after receiving the funds, BNL transferred and used more than $424,230 of the PPP proceeds on unauthorized expenditures.

In August of 2021, BNL, through its sole owner Wilson Pershing Stevenson III, requested and was granted forgiveness of the $493,865 PPP loan, by falsely and fraudulently certifying the loan proceeds had been used for eligible uses and business expenses between April and October of 2020.

 “We are proud of our law enforcement partners, without which we could not have uncovered and successfully prosecuted this blatant and fraudulent misuse of PPP funds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “Our COVID-19 Strike Force continues to hold accountable those that fraudulently obtained and misused federal funds set aside to help small businesses in our community. I am so proud of our team of prosecutors, led by White Collar Chief Dan Fruchter, for building this Strike Force and holding accountable those who defrauded the United States.”

“The misuse of critical emergency funds intended for those personally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic defrauds taxpayers and deprives legitimate recipients of important assistance at a time it was needed most,” stated Lewe F. Sessions, Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, Office of Inspector General, Department of Energy. “The Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General continues to pursue such fraudulent claims submitted by our employees and contractors.”

“This sentencing sends a message that the VA Office of Inspector General will diligently pursue those who would illegally line their pockets at the expense of the taxpayer,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners as part of the COVID-19 Strike Force to investigate fraud against relief programs intended to support bona fide recipients.”

“Today’s sentencing is a testament to the OIG’s unwavering commitment to protecting our small business support programs and bringing fraudsters to justice,” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Special Agent in Charge, Weston King.  “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners for their diligence and pursuit of justice.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General, Richland Field Office, the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and the VA Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Dan Fruchter are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.

4:23-cr-06014-SAB