Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that David Alexander Maybee, age 25, of Moses Lake, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Malicious Destruction of Property by Fire. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 60 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on January 21, 2022, Maybee and 3 others drove to the Motel 6 in Moses Lake. The driver of the vehicle parked nearby. Maybee and another man got out of the vehicle and walked to an Audi parked in the motel parking lot. Using a water bottle filled with gasoline they had obtained from a gas station earlier that night, the man poured gasoline over the Audi while Maybee acted as a lookout. The man lit the gasoline on fire and the pair ran back to their vehicle and left the scene. Moses Lake Fire Department and Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD) responded quickly and were able to extinguish the fire. While the vehicle was a total loss, no one was injured. The incident was captured on the Motel 6 surveillance cameras.
Follow-up investigation showed that the three individuals, to include Maybee, acted on the behalf of a local drug dealer, and the vehicle was torched over an outstanding drug debt. The three were expecting a cash reward from the drug dealer for their actions.
As discussed at the sentencing hearing, just a month after the arson, Maybee and an accomplice robbed a local Carl’s Jr. to get money to pay a drug debt that they owed to their drug dealer. Maybee was sentenced in Grant County Superior Court to 171 months of custody (22-1-0045-13). That same month, February 2022, Maybee and an accomplice kicked in the back door of a home in Moses Lake and stole multiple firearms and ammunition.
In imposing sentencing, Judge Rice noted Maybee’s criminal history was “atrocious” and warned that after serving his sentences, if he returns to the community and commits additional crimes, he will likely spend the rest of his life in prison.
“This case starkly demonstrates the dangerous nexus between illicit drugs and violence. Mr. Maybee participated in an arson to settle a drug debt that placed our first responders and entire community at risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for our strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement who protect our neighborhoods and work so effectively with our office to hold accountable individuals who are the largest drivers of violent crime.”
“While Mr. Maybee didn’t actually light the fire his part in this crime was still extremely troubling,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Taken as a whole, the dangers posed by his and his accomplice’s actions clearly warrant this sentence.”
This case was investigated by the ATF and the Moses Lake Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
Yakima, Washington - Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Nicholas Dean Elwell, age 40, of Wapato, Washington, to 46 months in federal prison on one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Chief District Judge Bastian also imposed 3 years of federal supervision after Elwell is released from prison.
According to court documents and information disclosed at sentencing, on June 3, 2023, the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, went to Elwell’s home in Wapato, Washington. Elwell accused the victim of cheating on her and became upset. Elwell, who was wearing steel toed boots, repeatedly kicked the victim in her face and torso, grabbed the victim by her hair and punched her several times. Elwell also stomped on the victim’s stomach. The victim told investigators she could not eat for a week because of the pain from that injury. The victim was eventually able to escape out a bathroom window.
When law enforcement encountered the victim later that night, investigators observed one of the victim’s eyes was almost swollen shut, there was swelling on the victim’s forehead and both sides of her face. Additionally, there was blood on her lips. Law enforcement also observed dried blood on Elwell’s clothing, left boot, and bedsheets.
“I want to commend the courage of the victim in this case for coming forward and engaging with law enforcement to hold her abuser accountable,” stated United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “By working with our tribal and federal law enforcement partners, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
“Without the cooperation of the victim in this case, Mr. Elwell may not have been held accountable for his horrific actions.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, the victim was able to escape the extreme violence of the attack. I want to commend the efforts of our investigators and partners to help reduce violent crime against our state’s indigenous population.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney R. Pratten.
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Jessica Ann Marshall, age 28, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Theft and Embezzlement by Bank Employee. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 24 imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $345,664.66 to be paid to the victim, the Bank of Idaho. Judge Rice ordered Ms. Marshall to be taken into custody immediately following the sentencing hearing.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, between June 2023 and September 2023, Marshall was working as a Bank Manager at the Bank of Idaho’s downtown Spokane, Washington branch. Using her position as a manager, Marshall stole and embezzled at least $345,664 in cash from the bank vault, ATM, and her cash drawer.
Marshall falsified documents to reconcile the cash and directed bank employees to sign falsified count sheets in order to hide her theft and embezzlement. Marshall also used her position as Bank Manger to make fraudulent deposit transactions into her spouse’s account. These fraudulent transactions reflected that money was being deposited into the account; however, no funds were deposited.
When Bank of Idaho inquired about the deposits into her spouse’s account, Marshall attempted to conceal her conduct by using a co-worker’s email account to send an e-mail with false information. Marshall then accessed the computer of another co-worker to delete an email from Bank of Idaho inquiring about the deposits.
“Ms. Marshall abused her position of extraordinary trust to enrich herself. When her conduct was discovered, Ms. Marshall attempted to obstruct the investigation into her actions,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I want to especially commend the FBI’s exceptional investigative work on this important case. Crimes like those committed by Ms. Marshall erode public confidence in financial institutions. By holding those accountable who commit theft, we restore trust and help keep Eastern Washington safe and strong.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Case No. 2:24-CR-00040-TOR
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jordy Scott Deboer, age 32, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 272 months imprisonment to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on March 30, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force executed several federal search warrants at the Motel 6 in Spokane Valley, Washington. The Task Force seized approximately 24.7 pounds of fentanyl-laced pills (approx. 83,000 pills), 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 pound of cocaine, as well as 2 firearms, and more than $13,000 in US Currency. Deboer and Matthew Sailors (a.k.a. Rabbit) were arrested.
Prior to this incident, Deboer was previously arrested and federally indicted for trafficking in large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from the Tri-Cities, Washington area to the Spokane, Washington area. After his indictment, Deboer was released from federal custody to attend inpatient drug treatment.
A short time after Deboer’s release from custody to attend inpatient treatment, the Safe Streets Task Force received information he had re-engaged in drug trafficking activities, this time with Sailors. Deboer and Sailors were located at the Motel 6 in Spokane Valley engaging in drug trafficking activities, to include selling fentanyl pills. Law enforcement acted quickly, obtaining multiple federal search warrants. During the execution of the search warrants, Deboer was encountered in a hallway of the motel. When he saw law enforcement approaching him, Deboer took out a loaded firearm out of his waistband and threw it. Deboer also dropped a large black duffle bag that contained a large amount of controlled substances and tried to run away. He was quickly caught.
On September 6, 2023, Sailors pleaded guilty to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing Fentanyl. On December 13, 2023, Sailors was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“The significant amount of illicit drugs seized in this case demonstrates the need for law enforcement intervention to address the fentanyl crisis. I am grateful for the quick actions of the Safe Streets Task Force and the prosecutors in my office, who have worked to stop Mr. Deboer’s drug trafficking activities, including after he was released from custody after his initial indictment,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office will continue to relentlessly remove deadly fentanyl and other narcotics from Eastern Washington communities and will hold accountable those who seek to profit from the illicit sale of illegal drugs.”
“Mr. DeBoer’s previous time in custody did not deter him from engaging in the same type of activities which resulted in his prior incarceration.” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Each Fentanyl pill that remains on the street has the potential to destroy the life, not only of the person taking it, but also of the people who loved and cared for them. The FBI and our partners will continue the work of removing these dangerous drugs off our streets.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of agents of the FBI and United States Border Patrol, as well as detectives for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane Valley Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard.
A video statement from U.S. Attorney Waldref can be viewed here.
Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that a federal grand jury has indicted Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, for bank fraud in connection with the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of funds belong to a developmentally-disabled member of the Colville Tribe.
The Indictment announced today charges Nina Rae Tatshama-Marchand, of Okanagan County, Washington, with five counts of bank fraud. The Indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand opened a checking account with a developmentally-disabled minor and that after the victim, an enrolled member of the Colville Tribe, turned 18, he received tribal funds due to his tribal membership. The indictment alleges that Tatshama-Marchand diverted the vast majority of the funds intended for the victim into her own accounts and converted it for her own personal use. According to the indictment, Tatshama-Marchand fraudulently obtained at least $34,900.00 in this manner.
“Protecting vulnerable members of the community and safeguarding precious and limited tribal funds are top priorities of our office,” said United States Attorney Waldref. “My office will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold fraudsters accountable when they prey on innocent members of the community in order to line their own pockets.”
The fraud charges carry sentences of up to 30 years in federal prison as well as restitution for fraudulently-obtained funds. This case was investigated by the FBI. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frieda K. Zimmerman.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Case No: 2:24-CR-81-TOR
Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Ray Anthony Wynecoop pleaded guilty on June 26, 2024, to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, one count of Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime, and one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke accepted Wynecoop’s guilty plea and scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 25, 2024, in Spokane, Washington.
In the plea agreement accepted by the court, and in information disclosed during court proceedings, Wynecoop was involved in two separate incidents. First, 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 driving at excessive speeds on residential streets. SPD stopped following the vehicle 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.
The second incident occurred on June 26, 2022, when Wynecoop was armed with a .22 caliber pistol that had a loaded drum-style high-capacity magazine seated in the firearm. Wynecoop, along with another man, were involved in multiple drive-by shootings. Based upon video evidence, they intentionally set out to locate a police officer and kill them. Wynecoop and his passenger began to follow a SPD officer and when a second officer came to their aid, Wynecoop opened fire, shooting the officer in the leg and the head. The other man with Wynecoop, videotaped it. The officer thankfully recovered from his injuries.
During a search of the vehicle used by Wynecoop in the shooting, detectives located thousands of fentanyl pills, a small quantity of heroin, and other drug related items.
On April 5, 2024, Wynecoop was sentenced in Washington State Court to more than 65 years in prison on multiple charges in connection to the shooting. The federal case was brought during the pendency of those state charges.
“The violence in this case is shocking. Mr Wynecoop, a felon who was not allowed to possess firearms, went on a violent criminal spree that included a premeditated attempt to kill a police officer. His blatant disregard for the law and the safety of our community put all of us at incredible risk,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the brave men and women of law enforcement who place themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe from individuals taking dangerous actions like Mr. Wynecoop.”
“This case highlights the importance of our collaboration with federal, state, and local partners, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, the Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office, to find innovative solutions to take violent offenders off the street,” said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, DEA Spokane District Office.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, and the Spokane Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
Spokane, Washington - U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Eastern District of Washington against a house in Ellensburg, Washington that allegedly was used to distribute illegal drugs.
The Complaint alleges the home was purchased on September 30, 2011, by June Green. The home is on the same block as a preschool and only one block away from the public library and a church in one direction and the local middle school in another. It is two blocks away from the Ellensburg Police (EPD) station.
According to the Complaint, EPD became familiar with the occupants of the home in 2014 because of repeated visits to the property. Since 2014, EPD responded to the property more than 300 times. The allegations in the Complaint are that Green, her children, and those they allow to live at the property, have repeatedly used the property to facilitate drug use and distribution for years.
The Complaint alleges EPD has conducted multiple controlled buys of illegal narcotics including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin at the home. EPD has also responded for a variety of calls at the property involving, among other things, a drug overdose, a stabbing, an assault with a golf club, animal cruelty, burglary, debit card theft, threating neighborhood children with a baseball bat, a welfare check that resulted in the alleged assault of EPD officers, vehicle theft, noise complaints, trespassing, and code violations for garbage and yard growth.
“The property named in the complaint is just a short distance from public spaces where the community should be able to safely learn, worship, and enjoy time with their families and loved ones,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to working to keep communities safe and strong, including by using resources when appropriate to forfeit properties maintained for drug use and distribution. Such properties present a serious safety risk for neighbors, families, and communities in Eastern Washington.”
This case was investigated by the Ellensburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. Donovan.
A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or facilitated illegal activity or represents the proceeds of crime. These allegations are not proven unless and until a court enters judgment in favor of the United States.
Spokane, Washington- Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that three men are facing federal drug charges. Osvaldo Guadalupe Soto-Orduno, Jose Roman Lizarraga Gerardo, and Jose Efrain Gonzalez Rodriguez were charged by criminal complaint with Conspiracy to Distribute 400 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing Fentanyl and 500 Grams or More of a Mixture Containing Methamphetamine.
According to the complaint, on June 26, 2024, DEA investigators identified a Toyota Corolla, believed to be used to transport drugs, travel to a house in Spokane. Investigators observed Lizarraga and Soto get out of the Toyota and enter the home. Soto was then allegedly observed carrying a black bag into the house. A short time later, investigators observed Lizarraga and Soto exit the house with the bag and leave in the Toyota.
Law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of the Toyota. According to the complaint, Soto consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search, investigators located several large bundles of U.S. currency packaged in a manner which officers recognized as consistent with large scale drug trafficking.
The complaint further alleges that investigators later observed Gonzalez-Rodriguez and another man exit the residence carrying a black backpack and depart in an Acura sedan. A vehicle stop was conducted on the Acura. According to the complaint, investigators conducted a search of the Acura and located approximately 7,000 pills presumed to be fentanyl as well as two pounds of presumed methamphetamine inside the vehicle.
According to the complaint, investigators conducted a search of the residence and located 61,000 pills believed to be fentanyl, more than three pounds of methamphetamine, more than a pound of cocaine, a small quantity of heroin, and four firearms.
“The fentanyl epidemic is taking lives at an unprecedented pace,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to working with our with our law enforcement partners to remove large quantities of deadly drugs from the streets and to disrupt drug networks.”
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Spokane Regional Anti-Violence Enforcement and Narcotics (RAVEN) task force and the United States Border Patrol. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Ohms.
A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.