The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has continued its prosecution of major drug trafficking and firearms cases despite the ongoing government shutdown, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Pete Serrano. The office reported progress on several significant cases involving threats to community safety from transnational drug operations, violent crime, and illegal weapons offenses.
In Moses Lake, Chief District Court Judge Stanley Bastain sentenced Joshua Isaac Stine, 40, to an additional 10 years in prison for distributing more than 40 grams of fentanyl while already serving a 20-year federal sentence for prior drug trafficking. Evidence indicated that Stine coordinated with the criminal group “La Nuestra Familia” using contraband cell phones from inside FCI Forrest City in Arkansas. Judge Bastain noted Stine’s repeated criminal behavior and stated his sentence would begin after completion of his current term. “In imposing this sentence, Judge Bastain noted Stine’s recidivism and unwillingness to change his behavior even after receiving a significant sentence.”
A Spokane man, James Anthony Stinson, 55, was convicted by a jury of eleven felonies including sex trafficking, drug distribution, and unlawful firearm possession. Authorities began investigating Stinson in 2021 after controlled purchases of crack cocaine were made from his hotel room. Law enforcement found methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl pills, multiple firearms, and evidence related to sex trafficking during searches. Digital evidence showed Stinson used violence and coercion against victims forced into commercial sex work. He had previous convictions for similar offenses and was on federal supervised release at the time of arrest.
Israel Garcia, a Mexican national unlawfully present in the U.S., was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Stanley A. Bastain to 20 years in prison for firing at Spokane Police officers during a drug trafficking crime and possessing over 400 grams of fentanyl with intent to distribute. After previously being deported following an assault conviction against federal officers in 2015, Garcia returned illegally in 2022 and resumed drug activities. In October that year he opened fire on police during an attempted arrest; one officer sustained injuries but survived due to a car window deflecting the bullet.
In Clarkston, Loyal Otis Dickson III received a 15-year federal prison sentence after being found with approximately two pounds of methamphetamine shards and several firearms—including parts consistent with untraceable “ghost guns”—during a search warrant execution at his residence in November 2024.
Allicianna Lynnzie Clark of Yakima was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell to just over twelve-and-a-half years for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine while armed with a firearm. Police arrested her after she fled from officers during a traffic stop; they discovered about 120 grams of methamphetamine and 25 grams of fentanyl along with a Glock pistol in her bag.
Also in Yakima, Susen Ann Gorst was ordered incarcerated for nearly five years following violations of probation imposed after an earlier guilty plea for methamphetamine distribution. Gorst failed multiple terms including reporting requirements and drug testing before her arrest by Toppenish Police Department; she was later found with controlled substances while detained pending revocation proceedings.
“These are impactful cases that have occurred during the shutdown,” said United States Attorney Pete Serrano.
