Caludgrio Joseph Bianco, a 26-year-old resident of Wapato, Washington, was sentenced on Apr. 24 to 40 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to drive-by shooting and possession of a stolen firearm. The sentence was handed down by Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
The case highlights concerns about community safety and the impact of violent crime on residents. According to court documents, Bianco fired two shots at an occupied home in Wapato on March 15, 2025. The act appeared random as Bianco did not know the homeowners, and security cameras captured the incident. The firearm used had been reported stolen from Seattle approximately three months earlier.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said, “While the actions of law enforcement and this successful prosecution will not erase the fear and impact this event caused the victims, it is a step forward as this dangerous individual has been removed from the community.” Serrano also said he was grateful for law enforcement's quick response in investigating the case and removing a stolen weapon.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle, said: “In a reckless and senseless act of violence, Mr. Bianco shot at the home of people he did not even know using a stolen firearm. It is incredibly fortunate no one was injured, especially given how close these shots came to the residents inside. The FBI, together with our partners, is committed to combatting violent crime on tribal lands and throughout the state of Washington.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington covers twenty counties east of the Cascade Mountains according to its official website. The office enforces federal laws through criminal prosecutions and civil litigation in collaboration with local agencies through its Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee established in 1981 according to its official website. This committee manages joint operations such as an internationally recognized U.S.-Canada mountain operations training school according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney’s office promotes community safety initiatives including drug awareness programs and internet safety efforts according to its official website, working closely with local police departments like those involved in this investigation.
