Tessa M. Gorman, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington
A resident of Shelton, Washington, Michael Warren, aged 65, has been sentenced to 90 months in prison by the U.S. District Court in Tacoma for his involvement in a drug trafficking operation linked to Aryan prison gangs. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Warren's arrest took place in March 2023 after a two-year investigation into drug trafficking activities. A search conducted at his home in December 2022 revealed significant quantities of narcotics and firearms, including over 640,000 fentanyl pills and a kilo of fentanyl powder along with two pill presses and 23 firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo stated during the sentencing hearing that "the crime is unquestionably serious based on the amount of narcotics found at his residence and the presence of firearms."
U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman remarked, "This defendant demonstrates that drug trafficking is not just a young person’s game," highlighting Warren's role as a key transporter, manufacturer, and distributor within the drug ring.
Court records indicate that Warren worked closely with Bryson Gill, leading one of the distribution cells associated with the operation. Warren was responsible for manufacturing pills and frequently traveled to Arizona to procure methamphetamine and fentanyl from suppliers.
Bryson Gill has pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm related to drug trafficking crimes. His sentencing is scheduled for May 9, 2025.
The investigation culminated on March 22, 2023, with law enforcement executing coordinated arrests involving ten SWAT teams and over 350 officers across multiple locations in Washington and Arizona. This effort resulted in significant seizures including firearms, various drugs such as methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, heroin, cocaine, and substantial amounts of cash.
The top leader of the ring, Jesse Bailey, faces 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 collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local agencies.
The FBI led this particular investigation with vital contributions from agencies such as the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Washington State Department of Corrections among others. Local support came from Tacoma Police Department and several county sheriff offices.
Prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
