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News Release
Please see attached press release.
Please see attached press release.
Spokane, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian has handed down sentences to three local gang leaders for their roles in facilitating the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” (NF). Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Jacenir DaSilva of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months in federal prison on gun charges, Jesus Mirelez of Yakima, Washington, to 83 months in federal prison on gun charges, and Thomas Lee Weatherwax of Spokane, Washington, to 75 months in federal prison on money laundering and drug conspiracy charges, to be served after Weatherwax completes his current state prison sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon. Each defendant will also be on federal supervised release for several years after serving his custodial sentence.
Evidence showed that NF is attempting to make a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, to include their own “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – styled as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.
This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”.
“These pervasive criminals intentionally seek out the next generation with the explicit goal of turning children into criminals (they call “soldiers”) with full knowledge that these children will be part of the gang for the rest of their lives, and commit crimes both inside and outside of prisons across the Nation to further a bill-of-goods they’ve been sold,” said Unit Chief Caitlin Baunsgard, the Assistant United States Attorney who handled this case. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will not stand idly by and watch this happen. We have and will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these predators.”
The court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearings in the case showed the following.
Jacenir Amezcua DaSilva (gang name “Serio”)
DaSilva is the leader of the Moses Lake Norteño set Pancho Villa Loco (“PVL”). In this leadership role, he passed along the radical teachings of NF and the importance of Norteño adherence to NF’s “14 Bonds,” which is NF’s mandatory code of conduct for Norteños. He was also named the “channel” for Grant County by NF leadership, a highly prestigious position within NF’s hierarchy. As “the channel”, DaSilva oversaw Norteño and NF interests over all the Norteño sets in his geographic area. He also facilitated any activities necessary to ensure the success of the continuation of the NF criminal enterprise, including moving money, hosting gang meetings, discussing matters of common interest with other Norteño sets, passing along messages to the “street,” and participating in NF internal “investigations” into misconduct – that is, actions taken counter to the gang’s interests. Incarcerated Norteños would also reach out to DaSilva to pass along messages of Norteño import, which would include directing activities in “the streets.” In DaSilva’s case, this included assisting in the issuance of a “kill on sight” order for an individual some members of NF believed to be an informant.
DaSilva was deeply vested in the continuation of the Norteño way of life. He ran Norteño interests in Green Hill School, a juvenile detention facility that has become a “training ground” for the next generation of Norteño gang members whom the gang has indoctrinated into hardcore NF doctrines. Multiple witnesses identified the Green Hill School as “Gladiator School” because of its large population of Sureño gang members – the sworn enemies of Norteños. Norteño youth know that at Green Hill, they will have to fight every day – and if they survive, they will be considered worthy NF gladiators. Some young Norteños have gone as far as committing new serious crimes with the specific intent to be sent to this juvenile facility.
Jesus Antonio Mirelez (gang name “Dizzy”)
Mirelez was previously sentenced in federal court for his unlawful possession of two firearms and high-capacity magazines in 2022. Notably, one of the firearms Mirelez pled guilty to possessing in 2022 was linked by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) — a national database that stores digital images of ballistic evidence, including fired bullets — to six separate shooting scenes in the Yakima Valley in 2022:
During the sentencing process in his 2022 case, he promised the Court he would not squander the opportunity to change his life. However, once he had served his 2022 sentence and was released on federal supervision, Mirelez continued his criminal conduct without pause. Only four months after being sentenced and promising change, he leaned into the radicalization of his Yakima-area Norteño gang set, La Raza (“LR”), and aligned them with the hard-core doctrine of NF. He was also appointed to a leadership position in LR – as the official “channel”. His penchant for victimizing the community also conducted. A few months later, he was drunk and mistook a random citizen as a Sureño and attempted to harm the citizen and follow the citizen into his residence. When he was rebuffed, he shot several rounds in the direction of the citizen’s residence. About a month later, Mirelez did the same thing again, resulting in a drive-by shooting that ended in him crashing his car. Both times, Mirelez ran from the police and threw away his firearms in locations where children could potentially find them, further endangering the community.
Mirelez also assisted NF members with paying their mandatory NF taxes on profits of their illicit ventures. He even enlisted his mother, Melissa Mirelez, to get word to the “streets” after his arrest about who he believed the informant in his case was – for the specific purpose of ensuring that the individual would be killed.
Thomas Lee Weatherwax (a/k/a “Wax”)
While serving a 57-year state sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon wherein he fired multiple rounds at multiple individuals he mistook for Surenos, Weatherwax continued to engage in criminal activity while inside the Washington State Penitentiary (“WSP”) in Walla Walla, Washington. Weatherwax, a member of the Spokane area Norteño gang set “Red Boyz,” chose to further his Norteño career by engaging in a scheme to smuggle drugs into the WSP to sell to other inmates and then to launder those drug proceeds. Weatherwax kept meticulous records of his inventory, his profits, and the “tax” payments that were made to NF. As a result of his conduct and being a good soldier for the NF cause, he was promoted by NF leadership to a position of authority in 2023 as a member of the NF Regimental Security Department Council at the WSP (the “RSD”). In that role, Weatherwax was one of three Norteño inmates in charge of overseeing NF interests and the success of the NF movement in all Washington Department of Corrections (“DOC”) facilities. Weatherwax was appointed as the head the “finance” department. As explained by NF leadership in a message sent and received via contraband cell phones:
In his leadership role, Weatherwax oversaw “day-to-day” tasks within WSP, as well as managing overall responsibilities over all Norteños inside Washington’s DOC programs. Like a first-line supervisor in a mainstream business, Weatherwax managed his team (Norteños in the Delta Wing at WSP), and reported the team’s work to his NF supervisor:
As a leader in WSP, Weatherwax was responsible for accounting for the controlled substances present in WSP to distribute to other inmates as well as for an accounting of the money owed to NF. In addition, Weatherwax and his RSD cohorts were also in charge of big picture operations of Norteños in all Washington DOC prisons, which included discipline decisions that had been blessed by NF leadership. For example, the RSD followed the directive to “remove” a Norteño named “Joker” from good standing in a Washington DOC facility based on his perceived rule transgressions. Weatherwax then reported the order being carried out by way of a “filter” (a small secretive writing) to NF management. Washington DOC confirmed that on March 19, 2024, “Joker” was beaten in prison by multiple Norteños until a non-lethal chemical irritant was deployed by guards. Overall, Weatherwax played a crucial role in the ongoing success of NF’s continuing criminal enterprise and ability to launder drug proceeds in furtherance of their criminal mission.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented on the extreme danger posed by these gang members, “even removing these predators from our communities and putting them behind bars has not been enough to stop them from engaging in ongoing violent crimes and victimizing our communities”. Serrano highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to investigate this new NF threat and hold those responsible accountable: “The conduct of NF members is unconscionable, but it will always be outmatched by the dedication and commitment of the US Attorney’s Office, ATF, BOP and our federal, state and tribal partnerships. The significant sentences imposed in these cases reflects the lengths to which federal law enforcement will go to protect our communities from being preyed upon by dangerous gang members.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais highlighted the danger presented by NF: “These defendants and their criminal enterprise brought the blight of illegal guns, violence, and fear into our communities. Dangerous gangs like La Nuestra Familia think they can take root in our cities and operate freely, threatening our citizens’ safety. I am here with a clear and unwavering message: ATF and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to bring them and every single one of their co-conspirators to justice.”
This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal.
1:24-CR-2027-SAB
Spokane, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian has handed down sentences to three local gang leaders for their roles in facilitating the criminal activities of a national prison gang called “La Nuestra Familia” (NF). Chief Judge Bastian sentenced Jacenir DaSilva of Moses Lake, Washington, to 120 months in federal prison on gun charges, Jesus Mirelez of Yakima, Washington, to 83 months in federal prison on gun charges, and Thomas Lee Weatherwax of Spokane, Washington, to 75 months in federal prison on money laundering and drug conspiracy charges, to be served after Weatherwax completes his current state prison sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon. Each defendant will also be on federal supervised release for several years after serving his custodial sentence.
Evidence showed that NF is attempting to make a targeted push to bring their “hardcore” principles and teachings to Washington State. NF doctrine dates back to the late 1960s and is encapsulated in multiple written documents, to include their own “constitution”. The rules of this criminal organization are mandatory and non-negotiable. NF leadership asserts they are engaged in this struggle for the betterment of Norteños – styled as “La Causa” or the “NF Movement”. Many individuals who have left the gang stated that La Causa is a ruse as its just about making money to perpetuate the criminal organization, which does not hesitate to use violence to achieve their objectives.
This persistent prison gang is purposely targeting minors to recruit into the gang and then indoctrinates them into their myopic way of life. These children are taught that if they are worthy Norteños, they will commit crimes and will end up in prison – so they need to follow the NF rules to be in “good standing” to comfortably serve their inevitable prison sentence. To advance further, these children will “owe a body” to advance their lifelong “careers”.
“These pervasive criminals intentionally seek out the next generation with the explicit goal of turning children into criminals (they call “soldiers”) with full knowledge that these children will be part of the gang for the rest of their lives, and commit crimes both inside and outside of prisons across the Nation to further a bill-of-goods they’ve been sold,” said Unit Chief Caitlin Baunsgard, the Assistant United States Attorney who handled this case. “The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will not stand idly by and watch this happen. We have and will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these predators.”
The court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearings in the case showed the following.
Jacenir Amezcua DaSilva (gang name “Serio”)
DaSilva is the leader of the Moses Lake Norteño set Pancho Villa Loco (“PVL”). In this leadership role, he passed along the radical teachings of NF and the importance of Norteño adherence to NF’s “14 Bonds,” which is NF’s mandatory code of conduct for Norteños. He was also named the “channel” for Grant County by NF leadership, a highly prestigious position within NF’s hierarchy. As “the channel”, DaSilva oversaw Norteño and NF interests over all the Norteño sets in his geographic area. He also facilitated any activities necessary to ensure the success of the continuation of the NF criminal enterprise, including moving money, hosting gang meetings, discussing matters of common interest with other Norteño sets, passing along messages to the “street,” and participating in NF internal “investigations” into misconduct – that is, actions taken counter to the gang’s interests. Incarcerated Norteños would also reach out to DaSilva to pass along messages of Norteño import, which would include directing activities in “the streets.” In DaSilva’s case, this included assisting in the issuance of a “kill on sight” order for an individual some members of NF believed to be an informant.
DaSilva was deeply vested in the continuation of the Norteño way of life. He ran Norteño interests in Green Hill School, a juvenile detention facility that has become a “training ground” for the next generation of Norteño gang members whom the gang has indoctrinated into hardcore NF doctrines. Multiple witnesses identified the Green Hill School as “Gladiator School” because of its large population of Sureño gang members – the sworn enemies of Norteños. Norteño youth know that at Green Hill, they will have to fight every day – and if they survive, they will be considered worthy NF gladiators. Some young Norteños have gone as far as committing new serious crimes with the specific intent to be sent to this juvenile facility.
Jesus Antonio Mirelez (gang name “Dizzy”)
Mirelez was previously sentenced in federal court for his unlawful possession of two firearms and high-capacity magazines in 2022. Notably, one of the firearms Mirelez pled guilty to possessing in 2022 was linked by the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (“NIBIN”) — a national database that stores digital images of ballistic evidence, including fired bullets — to six separate shooting scenes in the Yakima Valley in 2022:
During the sentencing process in his 2022 case, he promised the Court he would not squander the opportunity to change his life. However, once he had served his 2022 sentence and was released on federal supervision, Mirelez continued his criminal conduct without pause. Only four months after being sentenced and promising change, he leaned into the radicalization of his Yakima-area Norteño gang set, La Raza (“LR”), and aligned them with the hard-core doctrine of NF. He was also appointed to a leadership position in LR – as the official “channel”. His penchant for victimizing the community also conducted. A few months later, he was drunk and mistook a random citizen as a Sureño and attempted to harm the citizen and follow the citizen into his residence. When he was rebuffed, he shot several rounds in the direction of the citizen’s residence. About a month later, Mirelez did the same thing again, resulting in a drive-by shooting that ended in him crashing his car. Both times, Mirelez ran from the police and threw away his firearms in locations where children could potentially find them, further endangering the community.
Mirelez also assisted NF members with paying their mandatory NF taxes on profits of their illicit ventures. He even enlisted his mother, Melissa Mirelez, to get word to the “streets” after his arrest about who he believed the informant in his case was – for the specific purpose of ensuring that the individual would be killed.
Thomas Lee Weatherwax (a/k/a “Wax”)
While serving a 57-year state sentence for Assault in the First Degree with a Deadly Weapon wherein he fired multiple rounds at multiple individuals he mistook for Surenos, Weatherwax continued to engage in criminal activity while inside the Washington State Penitentiary (“WSP”) in Walla Walla, Washington. Weatherwax, a member of the Spokane area Norteño gang set “Red Boyz,” chose to further his Norteño career by engaging in a scheme to smuggle drugs into the WSP to sell to other inmates and then to launder those drug proceeds. Weatherwax kept meticulous records of his inventory, his profits, and the “tax” payments that were made to NF. As a result of his conduct and being a good soldier for the NF cause, he was promoted by NF leadership to a position of authority in 2023 as a member of the NF Regimental Security Department Council at the WSP (the “RSD”). In that role, Weatherwax was one of three Norteño inmates in charge of overseeing NF interests and the success of the NF movement in all Washington Department of Corrections (“DOC”) facilities. Weatherwax was appointed as the head the “finance” department. As explained by NF leadership in a message sent and received via contraband cell phones:
In his leadership role, Weatherwax oversaw “day-to-day” tasks within WSP, as well as managing overall responsibilities over all Norteños inside Washington’s DOC programs. Like a first-line supervisor in a mainstream business, Weatherwax managed his team (Norteños in the Delta Wing at WSP), and reported the team’s work to his NF supervisor:
As a leader in WSP, Weatherwax was responsible for accounting for the controlled substances present in WSP to distribute to other inmates as well as for an accounting of the money owed to NF. In addition, Weatherwax and his RSD cohorts were also in charge of big picture operations of Norteños in all Washington DOC prisons, which included discipline decisions that had been blessed by NF leadership. For example, the RSD followed the directive to “remove” a Norteño named “Joker” from good standing in a Washington DOC facility based on his perceived rule transgressions. Weatherwax then reported the order being carried out by way of a “filter” (a small secretive writing) to NF management. Washington DOC confirmed that on March 19, 2024, “Joker” was beaten in prison by multiple Norteños until a non-lethal chemical irritant was deployed by guards. Overall, Weatherwax played a crucial role in the ongoing success of NF’s continuing criminal enterprise and ability to launder drug proceeds in furtherance of their criminal mission.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano commented on the extreme danger posed by these gang members, “even removing these predators from our communities and putting them behind bars has not been enough to stop them from engaging in ongoing violent crimes and victimizing our communities”. Serrano highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to investigate this new NF threat and hold those responsible accountable: “The conduct of NF members is unconscionable, but it will always be outmatched by the dedication and commitment of the US Attorney’s Office, ATF, BOP and our federal, state and tribal partnerships. The significant sentences imposed in these cases reflects the lengths to which federal law enforcement will go to protect our communities from being preyed upon by dangerous gang members.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais highlighted the danger presented by NF: “These defendants and their criminal enterprise brought the blight of illegal guns, violence, and fear into our communities. Dangerous gangs like La Nuestra Familia think they can take root in our cities and operate freely, threatening our citizens’ safety. I am here with a clear and unwavering message: ATF and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to bring them and every single one of their co-conspirators to justice.”
This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) Violent Crime Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), the United States Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”), Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), and the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Caitlin Baunsgard and Benjamin Seal.
1:24-CR-2027-SAB
Spokane, Washington – On August 29, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Jaskaran Singh, 31, of Punjab, India, to more than 17 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute almost $8 million worth of the drug MDMA, commonly known as “Molly.” Singh was in the United States after successfully seeking asylum, and faces removal from the United States after completing his prison term.
Earlier this year, a federal jury unanimously found Singh guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 29, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., three individuals tripped motion sensor cameras in a remote area just south of the U.S.-Canada border, a half-mile away from the port of entry at Danville, Washington. United States Border Patrol officials saw that these individuals, who had illegally crossed into the United States from Canada, were carrying backpacks and a suitcase. From the American side of the border, the only route in or out of this area is a dead-end, dirt road called Fourth of July Creek Road.
Minutes later, Border Patrol officers saw a 2014 Honda Odyssey traveling on Fourth of July Creek Road. Agents responded to the area and stopped Singh, who was driving the rented Honda Odyssey away from the border and further into the United States.
Border Patrol agents saw in the rear cargo area of the Honda Odyssey the same backpacks and suitcases that the three individuals – who tripped the motion sensor cameras just a few minutes earlier – had been carrying. Agents lawfully searched the van and seized 173.7 pounds of MDMA, which was packaged and stored inside the backpacks and suitcase. On Singh’s cellular phone, investigators found a map of the area, along with messages on the encrypted phone application Signal detailing where Singh should go, when he should arrive, and directing him to “leave the back hood open.” Singh had deleted the Signal app from his phone immediately before he was arrested, but federal forensic investigators using cutting-edge technology were able to locate, retrieve, and preserve the messages so the jury could see them.
Jurors learned during trial that the three individuals who carried the MDMA across the border into the United States had to traverse approximately 300 yards of remote, rugged wilderness to meet Singh to deliver the drugs. They then returned to the Canadian side of the border, escaping apprehension by American law enforcement. Singh, for his part, bought a plane ticket in Northern California the day before the drug deal, flew to Seattle, and then rented the Honda Odyssey to drive to the remote area where he picked up the MDMA to further distribute it into the United States.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano noted the collaborative approach that brought Singh to justice: “This case is significant in so many respects, from the removal of this significant quantity of drugs from our streets, to the seamless cooperation of our federal partners at the northern border. I’m proud of our team and am grateful for the outcome of this case.”
“The DEA, along with our partners at the Border Patrol and HSI, take the territorial integrity of the United States very seriously,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “We aggressively investigate traffickers like Mr. Singh who, out of greed, smuggle dangerous drugs into the United States from Canada or anywhere else. This lengthy sentence holds Mr. Singh accountable and stands as a warning to others that we will not tolerate drug traffickers abusing our free society.”
Jason C. Liebe, the Chief Patrol Agent for the Border Patrol Spokane Sector, concurred: “U.S. Border Patrol agents work tirelessly every day to protect America and her borders from national security threats, no matter how they present themselves. This joint investigation and successful prosecution demonstrate the power of collaboration among federal agencies. When we combine our resources, we achieve the successful resolution of criminal cases that make our communities safer and stronger for all Americans.”
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Dan Fruchter.
2:23-CR-00052-TOR
Spokane, Washington – On August 29, 2025, United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Jaskaran Singh, 31, of Punjab, India, to more than 17 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute almost $8 million worth of the drug MDMA, commonly known as “Molly.” Singh was in the United States after successfully seeking asylum, and faces removal from the United States after completing his prison term.
Earlier this year, a federal jury unanimously found Singh guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence presented at trial showed that on April 29, 2023, at approximately 10:00 p.m., three individuals tripped motion sensor cameras in a remote area just south of the U.S.-Canada border, a half-mile away from the port of entry at Danville, Washington. United States Border Patrol officials saw that these individuals, who had illegally crossed into the United States from Canada, were carrying backpacks and a suitcase. From the American side of the border, the only route in or out of this area is a dead-end, dirt road called Fourth of July Creek Road.
Minutes later, Border Patrol officers saw a 2014 Honda Odyssey traveling on Fourth of July Creek Road. Agents responded to the area and stopped Singh, who was driving the rented Honda Odyssey away from the border and further into the United States.
Border Patrol agents saw in the rear cargo area of the Honda Odyssey the same backpacks and suitcases that the three individuals – who tripped the motion sensor cameras just a few minutes earlier – had been carrying. Agents lawfully searched the van and seized 173.7 pounds of MDMA, which was packaged and stored inside the backpacks and suitcase. On Singh’s cellular phone, investigators found a map of the area, along with messages on the encrypted phone application Signal detailing where Singh should go, when he should arrive, and directing him to “leave the back hood open.” Singh had deleted the Signal app from his phone immediately before he was arrested, but federal forensic investigators using cutting-edge technology were able to locate, retrieve, and preserve the messages so the jury could see them.
Jurors learned during trial that the three individuals who carried the MDMA across the border into the United States had to traverse approximately 300 yards of remote, rugged wilderness to meet Singh to deliver the drugs. They then returned to the Canadian side of the border, escaping apprehension by American law enforcement. Singh, for his part, bought a plane ticket in Northern California the day before the drug deal, flew to Seattle, and then rented the Honda Odyssey to drive to the remote area where he picked up the MDMA to further distribute it into the United States.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano noted the collaborative approach that brought Singh to justice: “This case is significant in so many respects, from the removal of this significant quantity of drugs from our streets, to the seamless cooperation of our federal partners at the northern border. I’m proud of our team and am grateful for the outcome of this case.”
“The DEA, along with our partners at the Border Patrol and HSI, take the territorial integrity of the United States very seriously,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “We aggressively investigate traffickers like Mr. Singh who, out of greed, smuggle dangerous drugs into the United States from Canada or anywhere else. This lengthy sentence holds Mr. Singh accountable and stands as a warning to others that we will not tolerate drug traffickers abusing our free society.”
Jason C. Liebe, the Chief Patrol Agent for the Border Patrol Spokane Sector, concurred: “U.S. Border Patrol agents work tirelessly every day to protect America and her borders from national security threats, no matter how they present themselves. This joint investigation and successful prosecution demonstrate the power of collaboration among federal agencies. When we combine our resources, we achieve the successful resolution of criminal cases that make our communities safer and stronger for all Americans.”
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Dan Fruchter.
2:23-CR-00052-TOR
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that Jason Alexander Logie, age 36, of Wapato, Washington, was convicted of Second Degree Murder following a jury trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Trial commenced on August 18, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian and the jury returned its verdict on August 20, 2025. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 18, 2025.
According to court documents and information presented at trial, while driving under the influence of alcohol, Logie crossed the center line on North Track Road within the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation on the afternoon of September 9, 2023, striking an on-coming vehicle in its own lane of travel. The driver of the vehicle died as a result of the collision.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “One of my top priorities as U.S. Attorney will be to strengthen our relationship with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. Partnering with these agencies strengthens our prosecution of cases like this, where a repeat offender will be held accountable for his careless actions that costs an innocent victim their life. I’d like to offer my thanks to our partner agencies on this case.”
This case was investigated and presented for prosecution by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the investigation was assisted by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington State Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.
1:24-cr-02059-SAB
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that Jason Alexander Logie, age 36, of Wapato, Washington, was convicted of Second Degree Murder following a jury trial in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. Trial commenced on August 18, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian and the jury returned its verdict on August 20, 2025. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 18, 2025.
According to court documents and information presented at trial, while driving under the influence of alcohol, Logie crossed the center line on North Track Road within the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation on the afternoon of September 9, 2023, striking an on-coming vehicle in its own lane of travel. The driver of the vehicle died as a result of the collision.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “One of my top priorities as U.S. Attorney will be to strengthen our relationship with state, local, and Tribal law enforcement. Partnering with these agencies strengthens our prosecution of cases like this, where a repeat offender will be held accountable for his careless actions that costs an innocent victim their life. I’d like to offer my thanks to our partner agencies on this case.”
This case was investigated and presented for prosecution by the Yakama Nation Police Department and the investigation was assisted by the Yakima County Sheriff’s Department and the Washington State Patrol. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael D. Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.
1:24-cr-02059-SAB
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Kevin Lee Towner, age 61, of Selah, Washington, was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell on August 21, 2025. Towner pled guilty to the charge of Possession of Child Pornography on April 10, 2025.
According to court documents, after a search warrant was executed on October 6, 2020, at Towner’s residence he was found to have electronic storage media containing images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He admitted to using peer-to-peer file sharing to obtain images of child pornography. Towner was found to possess over 3,000 images of child pornography. In addition to 60 months of imprisonment and ten years of supervised release, Judge Pennell imposed $45,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the child pornography files Towner possessed. Judge Pennell also required Towner to pay $17,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (“AVAA”). Special penalty assessments imposed pursuant to that Act go to a fund from which child pornography victims can draw a one-time payment depending on the amount of restitution they have already received. In addition, Judge Pennell imposed a special penalty assessment of $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which imposes an assessment on any non-indigent person or entity convicted of an offense involving: (1) peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons; (2) sexual abuse; (3) sexual exploitation and other abuse of children; (4) transportation for illegal sexual activity; or (5) human smuggling in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The money assessed shall be directed into a fund and used to support the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces as well as programs providing services to victims of human trafficking and child abuse.
“This sentence sends a powerful reminder to Mr. Towner and others like him: Crimes that exploit children cannot, and will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Serrano. “Thanks to the dedicated work of the FBI and prosecutors from my office, we were able to hold Mr. Towner accountable and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office stated, “Child sexual abuse material is extremely damaging to young people, especially because it is often repeatedly shared and can be nearly impossible to remove from the Internet. Mr. Towner was found to possess not just some but thousands of these graphic images, including of very young children, and he will now face the consequences of that conduct. The FBI is committed to protecting child victims by holding these kinds of predators accountable and showing them they cannot hide their illegal online activity.”
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Murphy.
1:24-cr-02059-SAB
Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Kevin Lee Towner, age 61, of Selah, Washington, was sentenced to 60 months (5 years) in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release by United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell on August 21, 2025. Towner pled guilty to the charge of Possession of Child Pornography on April 10, 2025.
According to court documents, after a search warrant was executed on October 6, 2020, at Towner’s residence he was found to have electronic storage media containing images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He admitted to using peer-to-peer file sharing to obtain images of child pornography. Towner was found to possess over 3,000 images of child pornography. In addition to 60 months of imprisonment and ten years of supervised release, Judge Pennell imposed $45,000 in restitution to victims depicted in the child pornography files Towner possessed. Judge Pennell also required Towner to pay $17,000 pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018 (“AVAA”). Special penalty assessments imposed pursuant to that Act go to a fund from which child pornography victims can draw a one-time payment depending on the amount of restitution they have already received. In addition, Judge Pennell imposed a special penalty assessment of $5,000 pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015, which imposes an assessment on any non-indigent person or entity convicted of an offense involving: (1) peonage, slavery, and trafficking in persons; (2) sexual abuse; (3) sexual exploitation and other abuse of children; (4) transportation for illegal sexual activity; or (5) human smuggling in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The money assessed shall be directed into a fund and used to support the Internet Crimes Against Children task forces as well as programs providing services to victims of human trafficking and child abuse.
“This sentence sends a powerful reminder to Mr. Towner and others like him: Crimes that exploit children cannot, and will not be tolerated,” stated U.S. Attorney Serrano. “Thanks to the dedicated work of the FBI and prosecutors from my office, we were able to hold Mr. Towner accountable and protect the most vulnerable among us.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office stated, “Child sexual abuse material is extremely damaging to young people, especially because it is often repeatedly shared and can be nearly impossible to remove from the Internet. Mr. Towner was found to possess not just some but thousands of these graphic images, including of very young children, and he will now face the consequences of that conduct. The FBI is committed to protecting child victims by holding these kinds of predators accountable and showing them they cannot hide their illegal online activity.”
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Murphy.
1:24-cr-02059-SAB
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Charles Michael McClain, age 40, of Spokane, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. McClain was found guilty on May 6, 2025, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced McClain to 20 years in federal prison.
Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, in early 2024, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force developed information that McClain was supplying illegal drugs, including fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, to dealers in the Clarkston, Washington, area.
On May 6, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at McClain’s apartment on Riverton Avenue in Spokane. Agents located various drug paraphernalia, baggies, methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and 359 fentanyl pills. Agents also located a firearm under McClain’s pillow and approximately $18,000 in the apartment. On scene, McClain told agents he had purchased approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 10 ounces of fentanyl powder every month for about a year. On May 6th, the day of the warrant execution, McClain had planned on making another purchase using some of the cash found in his apartment.
McClain been previously convicted in Washington state court of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in state custody.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington, “Deadly drugs claim more victims every day, including here in Eastern Washington. We are prioritizing the prosecution of these cases and working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities, keeping these dangerous substances out of the hands of drug traffickers and out of our communities.”
“Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms are a deadly combination that puts out communities at extreme risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City Federal Bureau of Investigation. “When agencies work together, we can successfully put drug traffickers out of business and in prison.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.
2:24-cr-00093-TOR
Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Charles Michael McClain, age 40, of Spokane, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. McClain was found guilty on May 6, 2025, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced McClain to 20 years in federal prison.
Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, in early 2024, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force developed information that McClain was supplying illegal drugs, including fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, to dealers in the Clarkston, Washington, area.
On May 6, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at McClain’s apartment on Riverton Avenue in Spokane. Agents located various drug paraphernalia, baggies, methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and 359 fentanyl pills. Agents also located a firearm under McClain’s pillow and approximately $18,000 in the apartment. On scene, McClain told agents he had purchased approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 10 ounces of fentanyl powder every month for about a year. On May 6th, the day of the warrant execution, McClain had planned on making another purchase using some of the cash found in his apartment.
McClain been previously convicted in Washington state court of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in state custody.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington, “Deadly drugs claim more victims every day, including here in Eastern Washington. We are prioritizing the prosecution of these cases and working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities, keeping these dangerous substances out of the hands of drug traffickers and out of our communities.”
“Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms are a deadly combination that puts out communities at extreme risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City Federal Bureau of Investigation. “When agencies work together, we can successfully put drug traffickers out of business and in prison.”
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.
2:24-cr-00093-TOR
Spokane, Washington – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that five illegal aliens have been charged with Illegally Re-Entering the United States After Deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Illegal Re-Entry is a criminal offense and separate from civil immigration enforcement. All of the individuals charged have criminal records and each had previously been removed from the United States.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other Federal law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting the lives of American citizens. As such, these Federal agencies are continually looking for illegally present foreign nationals who have a history of violating state, local, and Federal law. A Federal Grand Jury returned indictments as to the individuals listed below.
Pablo Carmona-Carmona, age 47, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of DUI in California. Carmona-Carmona has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On October 31, 2024, Carmona-Carmona was arrested by the Yakima Police Department on charges of Child Molestation in the 1st Degree and Child Molestation in the 2nd Degree. That case remains pending.
Rodolfo Cortes-Sorroza, age 38, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of Illegally Re-Entering the United States after Deportation. Cortez-Sorroza also has been convicted of Assault and Burglary in State Court. Cortez-Sorroza has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On July 26, 2025, Cortez Sorroza was arrested in Klickitat County on warrants for Residential Burglary and Failure to Appear.
Alfredo Ventura-Gutierrez (a/k/a “Jose Ventura Dias”), age 48, a Mexican national, was previously convicted in California on felony domestic violence charges, violating a restraining order, and DUI, as well as Illegally Entering the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325. Ventura-Gutierrez has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On August 3, 2024, Ventura-Gutierrez was arrested by the Wapato Police Department on Rape in the 2nd Degree, Rape in the 3rd Degree and two counts of violation of an order of protection. That case remains pending.
Carlos Antonio Moran-Arce, age 52, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of Illegally Re-Entering the United States after Deportation. Moran-Arce also has state convictions for theft and battery. He has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On April 24, 2025, Moran-Arce was arrested by the Yakima Police Department on state charges of Hit and Run and Harassment Threaten to Kill. That case remains pending.
Raul Partida-Farias, age 50, a Mexican national, was previously convicted in Yakima County Superior Court of Alien in Possession of a Firearm and in Benton County Superior Court of assault. He has been removed to Mexico on one prior occasion. Partida-Farias is facing charges in Benton County for DUI and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. These charges remain pending.
These indictments reflect the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and our law enforcement partners to protecting the public from individuals who take advantage of their illegal status within the United States to commit criminal offenses against others. Prosecuting individuals for Illegally Re-Entering the United States After Deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1326, both serves national security and increases trust. These, and similar prosecutions, are a deterrent to criminal future conduct and disincentivize illegal entry (and re-entry) into the United States.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was involved in these investigations. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Spokane, Washington – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that five illegal aliens have been charged with Illegally Re-Entering the United States After Deportation, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326. Illegal Re-Entry is a criminal offense and separate from civil immigration enforcement. All of the individuals charged have criminal records and each had previously been removed from the United States.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and other Federal law enforcement partners are dedicated to protecting the lives of American citizens. As such, these Federal agencies are continually looking for illegally present foreign nationals who have a history of violating state, local, and Federal law. A Federal Grand Jury returned indictments as to the individuals listed below.
Pablo Carmona-Carmona, age 47, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of DUI in California. Carmona-Carmona has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On October 31, 2024, Carmona-Carmona was arrested by the Yakima Police Department on charges of Child Molestation in the 1st Degree and Child Molestation in the 2nd Degree. That case remains pending.
Rodolfo Cortes-Sorroza, age 38, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of Illegally Re-Entering the United States after Deportation. Cortez-Sorroza also has been convicted of Assault and Burglary in State Court. Cortez-Sorroza has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On July 26, 2025, Cortez Sorroza was arrested in Klickitat County on warrants for Residential Burglary and Failure to Appear.
Alfredo Ventura-Gutierrez (a/k/a “Jose Ventura Dias”), age 48, a Mexican national, was previously convicted in California on felony domestic violence charges, violating a restraining order, and DUI, as well as Illegally Entering the United States in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325. Ventura-Gutierrez has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On August 3, 2024, Ventura-Gutierrez was arrested by the Wapato Police Department on Rape in the 2nd Degree, Rape in the 3rd Degree and two counts of violation of an order of protection. That case remains pending.
Carlos Antonio Moran-Arce, age 52, a Mexican national, was previously convicted of Illegally Re-Entering the United States after Deportation. Moran-Arce also has state convictions for theft and battery. He has been removed to Mexico on two prior occasions. On April 24, 2025, Moran-Arce was arrested by the Yakima Police Department on state charges of Hit and Run and Harassment Threaten to Kill. That case remains pending.
Raul Partida-Farias, age 50, a Mexican national, was previously convicted in Yakima County Superior Court of Alien in Possession of a Firearm and in Benton County Superior Court of assault. He has been removed to Mexico on one prior occasion. Partida-Farias is facing charges in Benton County for DUI and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. These charges remain pending.
These indictments reflect the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington and our law enforcement partners to protecting the public from individuals who take advantage of their illegal status within the United States to commit criminal offenses against others. Prosecuting individuals for Illegally Re-Entering the United States After Deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. §1326, both serves national security and increases trust. These, and similar prosecutions, are a deterrent to criminal future conduct and disincentivize illegal entry (and re-entry) into the United States.
United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) was involved in these investigations. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced Leland James Vijarro, age 26, was sentenced after pleading guilty to assaulting federal officers and firearm charges. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 198 months to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on February 8, 2024, Vijarro broke into his brother’s home in Toppenish, Washington, and stole thirteen firearms and a suppresser. Then, on February 10, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to a report of gun fire coming from the Vijarro’s vehicle in Toppenish. During the stop of the vehicle, the Vijarro fled the scene and barricaded himself inside a nearby home. After law enforcement officers set up a permitter around the vicinity of the home, Vijarro went into the backyard of the home and fired six shots from a handgun that had been stolen from his brother. The majority of the shots fired by Vijarro were aimed at law enforcement officers, who had set up a permitter across the street from the defendant’s location. Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Office marked police vehicles in the permitter, which law enforcement officers were shielding themselves behind, sustained damages from the shots. The Vijarro ultimately retreated to another residence and surrendered a few hours later.
At sentencing, Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse noted that the defendant “possessed over a decade of criminal convictions and arrests characterized by assaults, arson, firearm offenses, thefts, and domestic violence crimes.” In asking for the 198-month sentence, AUSA Black Horse argued “the defendant’s criminal history, gang affiliation, and the circumstances surrounding the offense demonstrate that the defendant is a clear threat to public safety on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.” AUSA Black Horse observed that it was “fortunate in this case that no law enforcement officers were injured or killed as a result of the defendant’s conduct” and that a significant custodial sentence “will ensure the public is protected as long as possible from further violent crimes perpetrated by the defendant.”
In imposing the 198-month sentence, the Court highlighted the history of escalating violent behavior perpetrated by the defendant and explained the significant custodial sentence was necessary to protect the community from the defendant. The Court also thanked the YCSO officers who were present at sentencing for their service and continued efforts to keep the community safe despite incidents like the one perpetrated by the defendant.
“Mr. Vijarro’s actions were violent and reckless. I am grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their own lives at risk to arrest him,” said U.S. Attorney Serrano. “I’m grateful to AUSA Black Horse’s great work on this case; this is another example of the men and women of our office holding violent offenders accountable who are a danger to our community.”
“During two days of volatile and dangerous activities, Mr. Vijarro entered several houses that did not belong to him, including his own brother’s, to steal firearms and evade capture by law enforcement,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “Even worse, he used one of the stolen guns to shoot at law enforcement officers attempting to contain the situation. This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, as emphasized in Operation Summer Heat, a nationwide initiative targeting violent criminals and restoring safety in our communities.”
“On Feb 10, 2024, law enforcement officers and deputies were lucky to escape injury when they encountered Mr. Vijarro. A violent offender whose actions were without regard to anyone’s safety, we are grateful for the successful prosecution by AUSA Black Horse and her team,” said Sheriff Robert Udell. “Our partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Washington, continues to be a significant boon to Yakima County public safety.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
1:24-cr-2055-MKD
Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced Leland James Vijarro, age 26, was sentenced after pleading guilty to assaulting federal officers and firearm charges. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 198 months to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on February 8, 2024, Vijarro broke into his brother’s home in Toppenish, Washington, and stole thirteen firearms and a suppresser. Then, on February 10, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to a report of gun fire coming from the Vijarro’s vehicle in Toppenish. During the stop of the vehicle, the Vijarro fled the scene and barricaded himself inside a nearby home. After law enforcement officers set up a permitter around the vicinity of the home, Vijarro went into the backyard of the home and fired six shots from a handgun that had been stolen from his brother. The majority of the shots fired by Vijarro were aimed at law enforcement officers, who had set up a permitter across the street from the defendant’s location. Two Yakima County Sheriff’s Office marked police vehicles in the permitter, which law enforcement officers were shielding themselves behind, sustained damages from the shots. The Vijarro ultimately retreated to another residence and surrendered a few hours later.
At sentencing, Assistant United States Attorney Bree Black Horse noted that the defendant “possessed over a decade of criminal convictions and arrests characterized by assaults, arson, firearm offenses, thefts, and domestic violence crimes.” In asking for the 198-month sentence, AUSA Black Horse argued “the defendant’s criminal history, gang affiliation, and the circumstances surrounding the offense demonstrate that the defendant is a clear threat to public safety on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.” AUSA Black Horse observed that it was “fortunate in this case that no law enforcement officers were injured or killed as a result of the defendant’s conduct” and that a significant custodial sentence “will ensure the public is protected as long as possible from further violent crimes perpetrated by the defendant.”
In imposing the 198-month sentence, the Court highlighted the history of escalating violent behavior perpetrated by the defendant and explained the significant custodial sentence was necessary to protect the community from the defendant. The Court also thanked the YCSO officers who were present at sentencing for their service and continued efforts to keep the community safe despite incidents like the one perpetrated by the defendant.
“Mr. Vijarro’s actions were violent and reckless. I am grateful for the brave men and women in law enforcement who put their own lives at risk to arrest him,” said U.S. Attorney Serrano. “I’m grateful to AUSA Black Horse’s great work on this case; this is another example of the men and women of our office holding violent offenders accountable who are a danger to our community.”
“During two days of volatile and dangerous activities, Mr. Vijarro entered several houses that did not belong to him, including his own brother’s, to steal firearms and evade capture by law enforcement,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “Even worse, he used one of the stolen guns to shoot at law enforcement officers attempting to contain the situation. This case is an example of the FBI’s commitment to combatting violent criminals and gangs, as emphasized in Operation Summer Heat, a nationwide initiative targeting violent criminals and restoring safety in our communities.”
“On Feb 10, 2024, law enforcement officers and deputies were lucky to escape injury when they encountered Mr. Vijarro. A violent offender whose actions were without regard to anyone’s safety, we are grateful for the successful prosecution by AUSA Black Horse and her team,” said Sheriff Robert Udell. “Our partnership with federal law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Washington, continues to be a significant boon to Yakima County public safety.”
This case was investigated by the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse.
1:24-cr-2055-MKD