Richard R. Barker has concluded his tenure as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, returning to private practice in Spokane. Barker's career in public service spans over a decade, during which he served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014.
Barker's experience includes roles such as First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator. He began his prosecutorial career in Washington D.C., focusing on homicide cases before moving to the Eastern District of Washington in 2019.
Barker handled numerous high-profile cases, including the prosecution of Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for a double murder on the Colville Indian Reservation and Ronald Craig Ilg for attempting to hire hitmen via the dark web. He also led drug trafficking prosecutions like that of Luis Esquival Balonos and the "Fetty Bros" Drug Trafficking Organization.
In his administrative role, Barker supervised various divisions within the U.S. Attorney’s Office and helped establish a dedicated Appellate Division. His efforts extended to addressing issues faced by Native American communities, including hiring a prosecutor focused on Missing or Murdered Indigenous People cases.
Reflecting on his service, Barker stated: “Serving as a federal prosecutor has been the highlight of my career... I look forward to remaining active in the legal community as I return to private practice right here in Eastern Washington.”
Former U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref praised Barker’s leadership and dedication: “Acting U.S. Attorney Barker is an exceptional leader... His service to the Department of Justice and dedication to protecting the communities of Eastern Washington is second to none.”
Stephanie Van Marter will succeed Barker as Acting United States Attorney for the district. Barker expressed confidence in her leadership: “Steph has dedicated her career to the Department of Justice, and she will lead this office with honor.”
Barker will continue teaching at Gonzaga University School of Law while serving as a Lawyer Representative to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
