A Renton, Washington resident, Frank Lozano Graves, 57, has been sentenced to five years in prison for his involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentence today in U.S. District Court in Seattle. The investigation revealed that Graves was part of a drug distribution ring involving his son, daughter, and other coconspirators.

U.S. District Judge Tana Lin remarked during the sentencing hearing, “You knew the havoc that drugs wreak and yet you endangered your family…. You modeled for your children that drug dealing was okay, and you got them involved in it.”

The case highlights the role of IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) in tracking financial transactions linked to drug activities. “IRS-Criminal Investigations is a key partner in our efforts to take the profit out of drug distribution,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorman.

Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Seattle Field Office added, “Mr. Graves enabled addiction in his own community for money.” He emphasized the importance of following financial trails to prevent criminal organizations from benefiting financially at the expense of human lives.

Records indicate that by July 2022, communications between Graves and his incarcerated son suggested their involvement with opioids sourced from Las Vegas. After his son's release from prison, they continued their operations which were monitored through wiretapped calls and social media posts.

Following Graves' arrest in July 2023, IRS-CI agents analyzed his financial records revealing approximately $800,000 in drug proceeds over three years laundered through a fake construction company set up by Graves and his son.

As part of his sentence, Graves will forfeit a vehicle, jewelry, and more than $15,000 seized from his home to the government.

Graves’ son, Frank Marquis Graves, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and assault charges related to an incident at SeaTac's Federal Detention Center. His sentencing is scheduled for April 16, 2025.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks using collaborative efforts from various law enforcement agencies.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI along with Seattle Police Department and IRS-CI while Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Hobbs and Michelle Jensen are handling the prosecution.