Clinton Paul Patterson was sentenced on May 6 to 20 years in prison, followed by ten years of supervised release, for his role in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation that distributed tens of thousands of pills across Eastern Washington, according to First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano.
The sentencing highlights the ongoing challenges posed by fentanyl distribution and its impact on public safety. Authorities say the case reflects coordinated efforts among federal and local law enforcement agencies to address the opioid crisis affecting communities nationwide.
The investigation, led by the Regional Anti-violence Enforcement and Narcotics Task Force (RAVEN) along with federal partners, uncovered a sophisticated drug network operating between Seattle and Spokane. Law enforcement seized approximately 5,475 fentanyl pills weighing over 480 grams from a Spokane residence used for drug distribution. Surveillance footage confirmed the location’s use as a hub for distributing fentanyl. Text messages and financial records linked Patterson as the source of supply, showing he directed distribution activities and arranged payments through Cash App and cash exchanges.
Patterson was arrested on October 21, 2024 in Pasco. Searches at his residence revealed about 1,449 grams of fentanyl recovered from a toilet where he attempted to destroy evidence when police arrived; an additional 189 grams were found in his vehicle along with cocaine and MDMA inside his home. Judge Thomas Rice considered Patterson’s prior convictions—including attempted second-degree murder and previous federal drug offenses—when issuing the sentence. While previously granted a reduced sentence for earlier crimes, Patterson resumed similar conduct after release. He also made threats against legal counsel and a federal prosecutor while in custody.
Serrano said, “This sentence was well deserved in this case given the huge quantity of deadly fentanyl involved and Patterson’s pattern of violent and drug-related criminal conduct. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of federal and local law enforcement to combat the distribution of fentanyl, a highly dangerous and often deadly substance contributing to the opioid crisis nationwide.”
Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge at DEA Seattle Field Division said: “This 20-year sentence sends a clear message: those who profit from poisoning our communities with fentanyl will be held accountable... With strong enforcement, intelligence-driven investigations, and strategic partnerships, we are working every day to disrupt the fentanyl supply chain and save American lives.”
Sergeant Julian Covella of RAVEN Task Force added: “This sentence is reflective of the many hours of hard work... The RAVEN Task Force is proud of collaborative work between our local and federal partners as we continue to battle the fentanyl epidemic affecting our community.”
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington enforces federal laws through criminal prosecutions across twenty counties east of Cascade Mountains; it works with various law enforcement agencies through its Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee established in 1981; it also promotes community safety initiatives such as drug awareness programs according to its official website.
