Tessa M. Gorman, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington
Two individuals involved in drug trafficking organizations linked to Aryan prison gangs have been sentenced to significant prison terms. Eric Smith, 54, from Tacoma, received a twelve-year sentence, while Sara Thompson, 39, from Bonney Lake, Washington, was sentenced to seven years. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Court in Tacoma as part of an investigation into drug trafficking connected to the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo commented on the impact of drugs like fentanyl during Smith's sentencing: “These drugs, particularly fentanyl, are creating a mess in our community. It creates people who can no longer function and leads to overdose and death.”
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman stated that both defendants played key roles in distributing large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine: “Both of these defendants served as trusted coconspirators for the leaders of distribution cells identified in this case... The damage done to our communities is severe.”
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office emphasized the danger posed by fentanyl: “Every Fentanyl pill introduced into our communities has the potential to destroy lives.” He added that the defendants conspired with incarcerated individuals to traffic these substances into Washington state.
Court records indicate that Eric Smith acted as a redistributor for Jesse Bailey, leader of the criminal conspiracy. Smith admitted guilt on November 1, 2024, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking.
Sara Thompson pleaded guilty in August 2024 for her role as a proxy for Yehoshua Kilp in narcotics deals. Law enforcement seized substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from an Airbnb she shared with Kilp after one such deal.
Judge Estudillo remarked on the broader implications at Thompson's sentencing: “The crime that’s associated with controlled substances... It’s just a path of destruction for everybody around it.”
David F. Reames from DEA Seattle Field Division noted their commitment against such activities: “Mr. Smith and Ms. Thompson helped a hate group distribute over a million potentially lethal doses... We will do everything in our power to stop those who try to poison and destroy our communities.”
The arrests were part of a coordinated operation involving multiple law enforcement agencies which resulted in significant seizures including firearms and various drugs across locations in Washington and Arizona.
Jesse Bailey is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025; his wife Candace Bailey will be sentenced on June 13, 2025.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks through collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies.
The investigation was led by the FBI with support from several other agencies including DEA and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
