U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref
Recent News About U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref
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Yakima man sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material
On January 14, 2025, Joshua David Harding, a 44-year-old resident of Yakima, Washington, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of child pornography. -
Vanessa R. Waldref concludes service as U.S. attorney for Eastern Washington
United States Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref will conclude her service as the chief federal law enforcement officer for Eastern Washington later this month, aligning with the transition to a new presidential administration. -
Former pastor charged with multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency fraud
U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref has announced that Francier Obando Pinillo, a former pastor from Miami, Florida, has been indicted on 26 counts of fraud. -
Eastern Washington prosecutes key COVID financial fraud cases
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington has spotlighted several significant prosecutions related to pandemic relief fraud during 2024. -
Veteran federal prosecutor Timothy J. Ohms retires after over three decades
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Ohms has retired after more than three decades of service with the Department of Justice. -
Spokane man receives 15-year sentence for possession of child pornography
On December 11, 2024, Nathan Roy Stout, a 39-year-old resident of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. -
Former Washington official sentenced for embezzling over $277K from town
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice has sentenced Luke Michael Servas, a former town clerk and council member from Cusick, Washington, to 51 months in prison for embezzling over $277,000 from the town. -
Eastern Washington highlights key prosecutions in crimes against children
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington has highlighted several significant prosecutions related to crimes against children over the past year. U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref stated, "Cases involving the abuse of young... -
Montana man sentenced for assaulting girlfriend on Spokane Reservation
On December 19, 2024, Bojai Dominick Grant-Schmidt was sentenced to fourteen months in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for assaulting his girlfriend on the Spokane Reservation. -
Yakima Valley dairies ordered to ensure safe drinking water amid contamination concerns
United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice has mandated that three dairies in the Lower Yakima Valley conduct well testing and provide safe drinking water to residents at risk from nitrate-contaminated wells. -
Stevens County man charged in 1997 double murder cold case
Stevens County authorities have charged Charles Lloyd Tatom with first-degree murder in the 1997 deaths of Marlene Emerson and her daughter Cassie. -
Fruit juice company admits guilt in federal food safety violations
The former president and primary owner of Valley Processing Inc. (VPI), a fruit juice manufacturer in Sunnyside, Washington, has pleaded guilty to charges related to food safety violations. -
Spokane Valley woman receives 10-year sentence for drug trafficking
On December 17, 2024, Shannon Ray Ault from Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison for drug distribution charges. -
Two men convicted in child pornography production case in Spokane
A jury in Spokane, Washington, has found Tony J. Bolen, 43, and Casey Allen Greer, 47, guilty of multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material. -
Laurel Holland named HSI prosecutor of the year for Eastern Washington
United States Attorney Vanessa Waldref has announced that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Laurel Holland has been recognized as the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Prosecutor of the Year for the Eastern District of Washington. -
Spokane businessman pleads guilty to violating clean air act and relief fund fraud
Pavel Ivanovich Turlak, a business owner in Spokane, Washington, has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act and fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds. -
Justice Department reaches agreement with Washington State's Ellensburg School District
The U.S. Department of Justice has reached an agreement with Ellensburg School District in Washington State to address issues of harassment and discrimination against students based on sex, race, color, and national origin. -
Lewiston man convicted for violent threats against attorney and prosecutor
A jury has found Trevor J. Lunney, a 39-year-old man from Lewiston, guilty of making threats to kill his lawyer, prosecutor, and members of the public. -
Spokane man sentenced for defrauding investors in cryptocurrency scheme
On December 11, 2024, Michael Joseph McElhiney was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice for defrauding investors in a cryptocurrency scheme. -
Fraud ringleader William Mize sentenced for insurance scam
On December 5, 2024, William Oldham Mize was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice.