Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker reported that Benjamin D. Cliett, 44, from Yakima, Washington, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison. The sentence is for the offense of being a person subject to a court order found in possession of firearms. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke also ordered three years of supervised release.
The case stems from an incident on July 23, 2022, when Yakima Police Department (YPD) officers responded to a call reporting loud noises and screams from Cliett's residence. Aware of an existing domestic violence no-contact order against Cliett, officers entered the home. Inside, they found Cliett's partner and, during a protective sweep, discovered Cliett hiding in a backyard doghouse, resulting in his arrest for violating the no-contact order.
YPD observed a gun safe in the bedroom during the sweep. Officers later obtained a search warrant and found ammunition, magazines, and 18 firearms in the home.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker emphasized the importance of enforcing laws aimed at preventing domestic abusers from having access to firearms, stating that such measures "really can save lives." ATF Special Agent in Charge, Jonathan Blais, noted Cliett's poor decisions and hoped that the sentence would encourage him to reconsider his actions and change his life.
Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis prosecuted the case which was investigated by the ATF and the Yakima Police Department.
