A 61-year-old man from Auburn, Washington, has been sentenced to twelve years in prison for his role in a multi-state drug distribution operation. The sentencing took place at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma and was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Thomas Carver, who has a history of drug trafficking convictions, was second-in-command to Jesse Bailey, a high-ranking member of the Aryan Family prison gang.
The court heard that Carver and Bailey were involved in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills across multiple states. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo remarked during the hearing, “You are not a local dealer. You are someone who helped sell and distribute across the region… What is alarming are the references to these different flavored or colored pills now that are out there potentially in our streets.”
U.S. Attorney Gorman stated, “The leaders of this drug ring spread so much misery throughout our area.” She noted Carver's awareness of methamphetamine addiction yet continued involvement in its distribution.
The investigation into the drug trafficking organization spanned two years and resulted in significant seizures including 223 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 830,000 fentanyl pills, various other drugs, $338,000 suspected as drug proceeds, and 48 firearms from members of the conspiracy.
Carver pleaded guilty on July 9, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and has been held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since his arrest in March 2023.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from several agencies including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington State Department of Corrections, Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Thurston County Narcotics Task Force among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon are prosecuting the case.
