U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref | U.S. Department of Justice
On December 17, 2024, Shannon Ray Ault from Spokane Valley was sentenced to a decade in federal prison on charges of drug distribution. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke also mandated five years of supervised release following her prison term.
Court documents and statements made during the sentencing revealed that in February 2024, investigators from the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) carried out a "controlled buy" involving two pounds of methamphetamine from Ault. This operation was closely monitored by ATF agents.
Following this transaction, Ault was apprehended in Spokane while sitting in her car with several fentanyl pills visible. The subsequent search of her vehicle uncovered $1,627 in cash and an airsoft gun resembling an AR-style rifle. Additionally, drug ledgers were found confirming her involvement in distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills.
U.S. Attorney Waldref commented on the case stating: “Ms. Ault was responsible for distributing a significant quantity of deadly drugs into our community.” He emphasized ongoing efforts with various law enforcement agencies to combat illegal narcotics distribution: “Working closely with federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement, my office will continue to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities to keep neighborhoods safe from illegal narcotics and criminal drug networks.”
Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge added: “ATF will always investigate those causing great harm to our communities,” affirming that Ault's sentence is fitting for her actions.
The investigation involved both the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Case number: 2:24-cr-00034-MKD.