Victor John Stevenson, a 37-year-old from East Wenatchee, was sentenced on April 14 to seventeen and a half years in prison for drug trafficking and firearm offenses, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano. United States District Judge Rebecca Pennell also ordered Stevenson to serve four years of supervised release after his prison term. Stevenson was found guilty in two separate jury trials held on November 13 and December 16 of last year.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal authorities to address violent crime and illegal drug activity in eastern Washington communities. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington enforces federal laws through criminal prosecutions and civil litigation in the region, collaborating with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies to promote joint operations and community safety programs since establishing its Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee in 1981, according to the official website.
Court documents show that on September 4, 2024, Stevenson—who was already a convicted felon—illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition before firing at a vehicle parked at the Wenatchee Valley Mall. DNA evidence and ballistics analysis by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory linked him to the incident. Later that month while under community custody supervision for an earlier assault conviction, Stevenson tested positive during a random drug test at the Department of Corrections office. A search of his vehicle revealed suspected drugs as well as a firearm inside a safe; investigators recovered approximately fifty grams of methamphetamine along with fentanyl pills.
A subsequent search at Stevenson's residence led officers to recover the pistol used in the September shooting. Investigators also cited phone recordings where Stevenson referenced needing "to get a little closer next time." He was prohibited from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions—including one related to another shooting at the same mall location in 2006.
Serrano said: “Victor Stevenson posed a tremendous danger to the people of the Wenatchee Valley and we appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Stevenson, who repeatedly commit acts of violence on our streets.”
April Miller, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations Seattle said: “Homeland Security Investigations is grateful for the support and collaboration of our partner agencies, which led to Mr. Stevenson’s apprehension and conviction... We hope this substantial sentence encourages Mr. Stevenson to reflect on his actions and pursue positive change.”
The U.S. Attorney's Office covers twenty counties east of Washington's Cascade Mountains according to its official website. The office is part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
The Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee manages an internationally recognized joint U.S.-Canada training school for mountain operations according to its official website. The office also supports community safety through initiatives such as drug awareness programs according to its official website.
