A Spanaway man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a drug distribution network in the Puget Sound region. Sean Michael Moinette, aged 46, was identified as a mid-level leader within the organization, which distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentence handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo.

Moinette's arrest in March 2023 was part of a larger operation that saw over two dozen individuals detained, some with connections to Aryan prison gangs. "The impact [of drug trafficking] on our community is almost immeasurable," Judge Estudillo stated during sentencing.

U.S. Attorney Gorman commented on Moinette's activities: “This defendant was deeply involved in distributing drugs, arranging couriers, and seeking various sources of supply.” Despite warnings about the potency of his fentanyl causing overdoses, Moinette continued his operations.

Investigations revealed that Moinette acquired large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl weekly and used women as "live shipping containers" to transport drugs across state lines. Judge Estudillo remarked on this tactic: “Talking about using mules and transportation of drugs through airplanes up to Alaska . . . It’s hard to believe that’s just talk.”

A coordinated law enforcement effort led to the arrests of conspiracy members on March 22, 2023. The operation involved ten SWAT teams and over 350 officers who seized firearms, methamphetamine, fentanyl pills and powder, heroin, and cash from locations in Washington and Arizona.

Prosecutors sought a 13-year sentence for Moinette due to his continued distribution of lethal substances despite knowing their deadly consequences. They highlighted how he coerced couriers into transporting drugs under threats of violence.

Moinette is one of eight conspirators sentenced so far; others have received sentences ranging from several months to over a decade. The ringleader Jesse James Bailey pleaded guilty last November and awaits sentencing next month.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level drug trafficking organizations through collaborative efforts among federal, state, and local agencies.

The FBI led the investigation with support from multiple agencies including the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tacoma Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Thurston County Narcotics Task Force, Washington State Patrol, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine units among others.

Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner, Zach Dillon, and Jehiel Baer are prosecuting the case.