Daniel John Kraft, a 41-year-old resident of Tonasket, Washington, has been charged with one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced the charges following Kraft's arraignment in federal court on March 10, 2025.
The investigation began in September 2024 when the Sanders County Montana Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) discovered that a Snapchat user under the alias “smokeweed5468” was soliciting sexual images from a minor. The user also allegedly threatened to kidnap the minor and take them to Mexico.
Authorities obtained a warrant for the Snapchat account, which revealed over a dozen sexually explicit videos involving minors. The account holder had also offered drugs and money to minors and attempted to arrange meetings with them.
Further investigation traced the Snapchat activity to Kraft's residence in Tonasket, confirmed by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO). Kraft is a registered sex offender due to previous violations committed in 2013.
On March 5, 2025, Kraft was arrested at his home by the Washington State Patrol. Investigators seized several electronic devices, including a cellphone running Snapchat. Allegedly, this device contained sexually explicit images matching those found on the “smokeweed5468” account.
The case involves multiple agencies: Homeland Security Investigations, Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, Eastern Region Washington Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, and Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter is prosecuting the case.
It is important to note that "a complaint is merely an allegation," and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
