Spokane, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Darren Bowannie, age 34, with Deprivation of Rights Under Color of Law. Bowannie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Monday, September 9, 2024. 

Bowannie was employed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a lead correctional officer. According to the indictment, Bowannie transported individuals who were in the custody of the Spokane Tribe of Indians and Bureau of Indian Affairs to and from the Colville Tribal Correctional Facility in Nespelem, Washington. 

The indictment alleges that on February 9, 2024, Bowannie, who was working as a correctional officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) at the time, was transporting an individual from Wellpinit, Washington to Nespelem, Washington. In his role as a correctional officer, Bowannie’s duties included prisoner transport to and from the BIA’s jail in Wellpinit. During the transport, Bowannie allegedly threatened and sexually assaulted the individual he was transporting. If convicted, Bowannie faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release.

“Our society places significant trust in law enforcement. Every day we rely on law enforcement officers who put themselves at risk to keep our communities safe and uphold their oath to protect and serve. When law enforcement fails to uphold this trust, my office will carefully investigate allegations of wrongdoing and seek justice to reestablish trust, protect victims, and to keep our communities safe and strong.”

The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis and Tim M. Durkin are prosecuting the case. 

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 – On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an indictment charging Reynaldo Valdez Garza Jr., of Othello, Washington, with five counts of Odometer Tampering. Garza made his first appearance in Federal Court on September 9, 2024. 

The indictment alleges that beginning in May of 2023, Garza carried out a scheme to acquire used cars with high mileage, tamper with or replace the odometers in the vehicles to make the cars mileage appear much lower, then advertise and sell the vehicles to unsuspecting buyers for an inflated price. According to the indictment, in some cases, Garza caused odometers to be rolled back more than 100,000 miles. 

The indictment further alleges that in some instances Gaza would wait for the buyer to sign their section of the Bill of Sale paperwork, then fill in the “seller” section with different information than what was represented to the buyer regarding the identity of the seller and mileage. 

“The purchase of a vehicle is often one of the largest financial commitments people make. It is important that buyers have confidence in the information they receive when deciding which vehicle to purchase,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “My office is committed to protecting consumers from fraudsters who seek to cheat the system for their own gain.” 

This case was investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devin Curda. 

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 – The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation has been awarded a million-dollar grant through the U.S. Department of Justice Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants program to address active gang and cartel-related drug activity and violent crime on the reservation, announced Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. 

“The strong partnerships we have with the leaders of the Yakama Nation are critical to our shared mission of addressing the root causes of the MMIP crisis, which include combatting illegal narcotics and reducing violent crime. This grant demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to partnering with Tribes to ensure the safety and security of Indigenous communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working together we will continue to build trust and foster stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”

The project description for the $1,028,000 awarded to the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation says the funds will be used by the Yakama Nation Public Safety Department (YNPD) to dedicate up to four officers to the local county and Federal Drug Task Forces, purchase equipment, provide detention space, and provide essential investigative resources. 

The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program is a U.S. Department of Justice formula grant program. The JAG program allocates funds to the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, America Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands for a variety of state and local criminal justice initiatives. The program is administered by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA).

Yakima, Washington - A Federal Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Jason Alexander Logie, age 35, of Wapato, Washington, with Second Degree Murder. Logie made his first appearance in Federal Court on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.  A detention hearing in this case is set for September 6, 2024.

The indictment alleges that on September 9, 2023, Logie killed his victim on the Yakama Nation.  The allegations stem from a car crash that occurred on that afternoon. One individual was killed and another was injured after Logie, who allegedly was drinking, drove his vehicle across the center line and struck the victims’ oncoming vehicle.  If convicted, Logie, faces a sentence of up to life in prison and up to 5 years of supervised release. 

“Vehicular homicides on Tribal land have a devastating impact, which extends far beyond the immediate victims. Tribal communities deserve safety, and they deserve justice. My office is committed to partnering with Tribal leaders and Tribal law enforcement to hold those accountable that commit acts of violence or drive while under the influence on Native American Reservations,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.

The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy is prosecuting the case.

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 – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Nathan Michael Triano, age 41, of Cusick, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Wire Fraud. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 18 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and restitution in the amount of $157,154.50. 

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to retain jobs and maintain payroll during the pandemic.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, Triano obtained six PPP loans totaling $140,865.00 by submitting materially false and fraudulent information concerning various purported businesses. In addition to the PPP funds dispersed to Triano, the United States also incurred a loss of $15,000.00 in lender fees for the PPPs, resulting in a total actual and intended loss of at least $155,865.00.

“Many small and local businesses had financial difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic. PPP loans were designed to help businesses navigate that uncertain time and keep people employed. Mr. Tirano’s actions caused limited funds to be diverted away from companies that needed the money, and instead went to line his own pockets, stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the good work of all our partners on the COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force who continue to hold pandemic fraudsters accountable.” 

“Pandemic relief funds were a critical lifeline for countless small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 crisis,” said Weston King, SBA OIG Special Agent in Charge for the Western Region. “This sentencing underscores the serious consequences of diverting resources away from businesses that genuinely needed them. We are grateful for the collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in bringing justice to those who abuse these essential programs.” 

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration will continue to aggressively pursue anyone who creates fraudulent schemes or who fraudulently gets money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and its Paycheck Protection Program,” said Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari. “We’re grateful to our law enforcement partners and the United States Attorney’s Office in making sure these crimes are prosecuted.”

The case was investigated by the Eastern District of Washington COVID-19 Fraud Strike Force and by SBA-OIG, TIGTA, DOL-OIG, DHS-HSI and DHS-OIG. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Frieda K. Zimmerman and Jeremy J. Kelley. 

Yakima, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Charmmorro Vijay Strothers, 31, of Auburn, Georgia, was sentenced on charges of Wire Fraud and False Personation of an Officer or Employee of the United States. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 30 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $85,945. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on August 13, 2023, Strothers rented a car at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and drove to Yakima, Washington. Two days later, on August 15, Strothers’ co-schemer called the victim, told her she was speaking with law enforcement, and that she had an active warrant for her arrest. The co-schemer then told the victim that to avoid arrest, she needed to drive to Egley’s Bail Bonds in Yakima and pay a bond of $14,000. The co-schemer remained on the phone with the victim while she withdrew the money. The co-schemer then instructed the victim to report to the Yakima County Jail Parking lot, which is across the street from Egley’s Bail Bonds. 

When the victim arrived, Strothers approached the victim, collected the cash, and gave the victim a handwritten receipt indicating it was from Egley’s Bail Bonds and listing a fraudulent case number.

A short time later, another co-schemer called the victim and told her a felony warrant was issued for her arrest. The victim was again told she needed to drive to the parking lot at the Yakima County Jail and this time pay a bond of $25,000 or she would be arrested. The victim complied, and Strothers collected the additional $25,000 payment. The victim asked for identification information and Strothers falsely told the victim he could not provide it because he was a United States Marshal.

On August 16, 2023, a second victim received a call informing her a federal arrest warrant was issued because she failed to appear as an expert witness. The second victim received several follow up calls. The caller ID on the victim’s phone showed the number to be from the Puyallup Police Department. The victim was concerned this was a scam, but because of the information provided on the call and concern for their reputation, the victim withdrew $44,000 from her bank account. The victim met Strothers at CJ Johnson Bail Bonds in Tacoma, Washington, and handed over the money. Strothers provided the victim with a receipt and left the scene. 

On August 18, 2023, law enforcement located and arrested Strothers inside the Sea-Tac airport. During a search, investigators located a receipt booklet containing a copy of the receipt issued to one of the victims and $59,000 in cash. 

“Mr. Strothers used the threat of arrest as part of a fraudulent scheme to deceive law-abiding people and con them out of significant amounts money. However, once the fraud was discovered, dedicated investigators worked quickly and effectively to identify Mr. Strothers, and were waiting to take him into custody when he arrived for his flight to attempt his getaway,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to protect Eastern Washington from fraudsters and make our communities safe and strong.” 

This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, Yakima Police Department, and Puyallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Benjamin D. Seal prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.

Spokane, Washington - Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Marisa Beck, age 41, of Spokane, was sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $360,000 in COVID-19 relief funding intended for endangered small businesses and employees at risk of losing their jobs.  Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 12 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $402,020.32, representing the total loss to the public as a result of the fraud.

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.  The CARES Act provided a number of programs through which eligible small businesses could request and obtain relief funding intended to mitigate the economic impacts of the pandemic for small and local businesses. One such program, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), provided forgivable loans to eligible small businesses to retain jobs and maintain payroll during the pandemic.  Another program, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, provided low-interest bridge funding for small businesses placed at risk during the pandemic.

According to court documents and information presented at trial and the sentencing hearing, Ms. Beck admitted to fraudulently obtaining $368,829 in PPP and EIDL funding for three purported businesses: Cyra Solar LLC, Beck N’ Call Landscape, LLC, and Value in People Consulting, LLC. Ms. Beck admitted that these entities were not eligible for CARES Act funding because Beck N’ Call Landscape and Cyra Solar were not active businesses as of February 2020, and because she submitted false and fraudulent payroll, revenue, and other information associated with the three purported businesses in order to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funding.

“Many small businesses struggled during the COVID-19 shutdowns and were eligible for pandemic relief funds to keep their doors open and to ensure that their employees could keep their jobs.  Fraudulent schemes diverted critical money set aside to help those businesses and instead were used to enrich individuals such as Ms. Beck,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I’m grateful for the investigators and prosecutors of our COVID Fraud Strike Force. Their teamwork and focus on uncovering fraud strengthens our community and protects small and local businesses.”

“Today’s sentencing underscores the VA Office of Inspector General’s commitment to rooting out fraudsters and safeguarding taxpayer funds,” 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.”

The case was investigated by the Eastern Washington COVID Fraud Strike Force, and in particular by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Spokane Resident Office, with investigative assistance and support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Spokane Resident Agency, the Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, Western Regional Office, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigative Division, Seattle Field Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Dan Fruchter prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. 

Richland, Washington - On August 21, 2024, a federal grand jury for the Eastern District of Washington returned an Indictment charging Gilbert Orosco, of Richland, Washington, with ten counts of conspiracy, fraud, and aggravated identify theft.  Orozco made his first appearance in Federal Court on August 27, 2024.

The Indictment alleges that, beginning in July 2020, Orosco took part in a scheme in which he defrauded the United States government and the governments of California, Nevada, and Arizona to obtain money from the states’ COVID relief programs in the form of unemployment insurance proceeds funded, in part, by the United States government. Specifically, Orosco conspired with co-conspirators who acquired personal information from others and used it to fraudulently make mass online applications for money earmarked by the states to provide unemployment insurance relief for those who lost their jobs due to the COVID pandemic. The indictment alleges Orosco’s co-conspirators created and submitted false and fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance on behalf of individuals who were not seeking or eligible for the benefits, and did not know that their identities were being used to obtain benefits. Acting on the fraudulent applications, the states then mailed debit cards to Orosco’s home in Richland, Washington. According to the indictment, Orosco used the debit cards to withdraw cash from ATMs. After withdrawing the cash, Orosco would convert the money into cryptocurrency or money orders. Orosco would then allegedly use those assets himself or transfer them to co-conspirators. 

The indictment alleges, between July 2020 and December 2021, unemployment insurance claims on behalf of approximately 70 different individuals were filed with state work force agencies, including in California, Nevada, and Arizona, that listed Orosco’s residence in Richland, Washington. Debit cards were then mailed to Orosco’s residence in the names of these individuals. 

According to the indictment, during this period, Orosco used the debit cards in other people’s names to make 347 ATM withdrawals totaling approximately $282,814. Orosco also made another approximately 30 transactions using the debit cards at Winco, Albertson’s, and USPS locations in the Eastern District of Washington totaling approximately $57,095. 

“Many people who lost their jobs during the pandemic were dependent on COVID-19 relief programs for financial support during an unprecedented time of uncertainty,” said U.S. Attorney Waldref. “We created the COVID-19 Fraud Strike force to protect everyone who relied on those critical funds and to combat pandemic-related fraud.”

This case was investigated by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General COVID Fraud Unit. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley. 

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 - Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Taylor Thomas Rayne Sinclair, 23, of White Swan, Washington, was sentenced on one count of Assault with Intent to Commit Murder. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 168 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, as well as restitution of $13,625.10. 

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on the morning of November 19, 2022, Sinclair, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama tribe, entered the victim’s property through an open gate. The victim heard dogs barking and came outside. The victim didn’t recognize Sinclair and asked if he needed help. Sinclair pulled out a folding knife, ran up to the victim, and stabbed her several times, including in the face, abdomen, and hands. The victim and Sinclair wrestled for control of the knife. The victim was able to get ahold of the knife but at the same time, Sinclair put the victim in a chokehold. Sinclair eventually released the victim from the chokehold and the victim ran back inside the home. Sinclair attempted to follow, but the victim pushed Sinclair back outside and locked the door. The victim managed to call 911 with the help of her young child. The victim and her child ran into the bathroom and closed and locked the door. As the victim waited for help to arrive, she could hear windows being broken, loud banging noises, and Sinclair yelling inside the home. 

Law enforcement arrived a short time later and arrested Sinclair. Investigators noticed two windows had been broken as well as the front door broken in and partially off the hinges. Investigators also located blood on the porch and around the home. The victim was taken to the hospital and treated for multiple stab wounds, including an orbital fracture and a collapsed lung. 

“I commend the bravery of the victim in this case. What began as an offer of help to a stranger, unexpectedly escalated to an unprovoked, violent attack. The victim courageously fought off her attacker, then, despite having serious injuries, managed to call for help and get herself, and her young child, to safety inside a locked bathroom,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “By working closely with our federal, tribal, and local law enforcement partners we will continue to hold those accountable who commit violent acts in tribal communities and work together to make Eastern Washington safer and stronger.” 

“Horrifying is the only word that describes what the victim experienced at the hands of Mr. Sinclair,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Thankfully, she survived this vicious and unprovoked assault. Hopefully, she finds some comfort with the sentence delivered today.”

This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation, The Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Murphy and Courtney R. Pratten.