A couple from Steilacoom, Washington, has been sentenced for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization linked to the Aryan Family prison gang. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced that Jesse James Bailey, aged 40, received a 17.5-year prison sentence, while his wife, Candace Bailey, aged 43, was sentenced to five years. Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo remarked on the vast quantity of drugs distributed and highlighted Jesse Bailey's background with drug-addicted parents.
Acting U.S. Attorney Miller stated, "Jesse Bailey and his wife Candace worked hand in hand to distribute devastating and dangerous drugs in our community." The Baileys were involved in selling large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl and possessed firearms to bolster their operations.
W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle field office noted the extensive multi-state conspiracy led by the Baileys and emphasized the dangers posed by such activities: "To all those who might consider following in the Baileys' footsteps, the consequences imposed today send a clear message: the only thing to be gained from these crimes is time behind bars."
In November 2024, Jesse Bailey admitted guilt for several charges including possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Candace Bailey also pleaded guilty to related charges.
The FBI coordinated a takedown operation on March 22, 2023, resulting in two dozen arrests including the Baileys. Authorities seized numerous firearms and substantial quantities of illegal drugs across multiple locations in Washington and Arizona.
Prosecutors highlighted Candace Bailey's significant role within the drug ring: “Candace Bailey stayed fully informed on her and Jesse Bailey’s joint drug trafficking business.” Her relationship with Jesse began when she was a prison guard during his previous incarceration.
David F. Reames from DEA Seattle underscored the threat posed by this organization: “The amount of money and sheer volume of weapons seized in this case shows how dangerous this group was.”
Colin Jackson from ICE Homeland Security Investigations echoed similar sentiments regarding violence associated with this criminal enterprise.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aiming at dismantling high-level criminal networks through collaboration among various federal, state, and local agencies.
Key contributors included FBI alongside DEA, HSI, Tacoma Police Department among others under OCDETF coordination led by Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.
