A 61-year-old man from Auburn, Washington, Thomas Carver, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a drug distribution network linked to the Aryan Family prison gang. The sentencing took place at the U.S. District Court in Tacoma and was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman.
Carver's criminal history includes several convictions related to drug trafficking. He served as second-in-command under Jesse Bailey, a high-ranking member of the Aryan Family gang. Their activities were documented through wiretapped phone calls discussing large-scale distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo addressed Carver during the sentencing, stating, “You are not a local dealer. You are someone who helped sell and distribute across the region… What is alarming are the references to these different flavored or colored pills now that are out there potentially in our streets."
U.S. Attorney Gorman commented on the impact of their operations: “The leaders of this drug ring spread so much misery throughout our area... Mr. Carver knows first-hand the nightmare of methamphetamine addiction.”
The investigation into this drug trafficking organization spanned two years and resulted in significant seizures: approximately 223 pounds of methamphetamine, 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple quantities of other drugs, $338,000 suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms.
Carver pleaded guilty on July 9, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and has been detained since March 2023 at SeaTac's Federal Detention Center.
He is one among seven members sentenced from this group; others have received up to 13 years while less involved individuals faced shorter sentences ranging from 20-50 months.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks using a collaborative approach among federal and local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation was spearheaded by the FBI with support from DEA, HSI, Washington State Department of Corrections along with local police departments including Tacoma Police Department and Pierce County Sheriff’s Office among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon are prosecuting this case.