The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has announced charges against 21 individuals following a series of indictments related to drug and firearm offenses. These charges are the result of a seven-month investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives that began in October 2024. The investigation targeted violent individuals and armed drug traffickers in Spokane, including those operating an open-air drug market on Division Street downtown.
Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker expressed gratitude for the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in dismantling the alleged drug trafficking operation. "It is an honor to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on such important prosecutions," Barker stated.
During the investigation, agents seized nearly 14 pounds of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of heroin, more than 16,000 fentanyl pills, over 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, approximately $60,000 in drug proceeds, four vehicles, and 36 firearms. A civil forfeiture complaint has been filed against a Spokane apartment complex allegedly used for distributing illegal drugs and obtaining firearms.
Several individuals have been charged with various offenses:
- Andrew Vincent Auerbach faces charges including distribution of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm.
- Daryl Edward Boone is charged with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- James M. Ferguson is charged with unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun.
- Jonathan Jacob Inglis pleaded guilty to intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- Nathan Carlson Johnson faces distribution charges related to methamphetamine.
- James Lelacheur is also charged with distribution of methamphetamine.
- Christopher Wayne O’Neal faces distribution charges related to methamphetamine.
- Gabriella Sherif Rizkalla is charged with multiple counts involving methamphetamine distribution.
- Roland Dewayne Sanders faces charges related to fentanyl distribution while on supervised release.
- Bernie Ray Shaw Jr. is charged with fentanyl distribution.
- Courtney A. Wheeler faces firearm-related charges connected to drug trafficking.
- Andrew Lee Williams and Anthony Dale Williams face similar firearm-related charges along with additional drug-related offenses.
Certain defendants will be arraigned at the Spokane Federal Courthouse on May 9.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), which aims to disrupt high-level criminal organizations using a multi-agency approach. The investigation involved several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
