A Tacoma man with a significant criminal history has pleaded guilty to federal charges of drug trafficking and illegal firearms possession. Marquise Tolbert, 29, was arrested in June 2023 and has been in custody since then. His sentencing is set for June 18, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Tana Lin.
Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the plea today in Seattle. Tolbert admitted to possessing a firearm on June 1, 2023, when he was arrested at his Tacoma residence on a warrant from the Washington Department of Corrections. A Ruger 5.7 pistol and loaded magazine were found at his home. Due to a prior conviction for illegal firearm possession in September 2022, Tolbert is prohibited from owning firearms.
The FBI Safe Streets task force, DEA, and Seattle Police Gun Violence Reduction Unit were investigating a drug trafficking organization when they intercepted communications involving Tolbert discussing a shoot-out in Federal Way. Investigators identified individuals involved in criminal activities using firearms and monitored Tolbert's purchase of the Ruger firearm from another conspirator. Law enforcement followed him to his residence on the day he acquired the gun, leading to his arrest and seizure of the weapon.
Further investigation revealed that Tolbert was distributing controlled substances like oxycodone shipped from Arizona to Washington State.
Illegal firearms possession carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, while drug distribution could result in up to 20 years imprisonment. Prosecutors will recommend no more than seven years for both convictions under the plea agreement terms; however, Judge Lin will determine the final sentence based on guidelines and statutory factors.
In an earlier incident in 2020, Tolbert was involved in a gang-related shootout at 3rd Avenue and Pine Street in downtown Seattle that resulted in one death and injuries to seven bystanders. He was acquitted of murder and assault charges but convicted of illegal firearm possession after his attorneys argued he did not initiate gunfire during the altercation.
The case was investigated by the FBI, Seattle Police Department, and DEA as part of efforts to remove firearms from streets.
Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Hobbs is prosecuting this case.
