Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Ohms has retired after more than three decades of service with the Department of Justice. Ohms, who worked in Eastern Washington, is recognized for his expertise in handling complex cases involving mental illness, international affairs, and violent crime. He was among the first to file cyberstalking charges in the region.
Ohms prosecuted numerous significant cases throughout his career. Notably, he played a role in prosecuting Barbara Fraley and Phil W. Champagne for counterfeiting in 1992, where it was discovered that Champagne had faked his death to collect insurance money. In 1995, he was part of the team prosecuting Antero Carreno for drug trafficking.
In 2001, Ohms led the trial against John Calvert, resulting in a conviction on all counts related to an attack on an elderly Spokane resident. The following year, he investigated crack cocaine distribution by the Rolling 20s Crips gang in Spokane's Browne’s Addition neighborhood.
Ohms also led prosecutions involving wildlife crimes and violations of the Endangered Species Act. In 2011, he secured convictions against Ricky S. Wahchumwah and Victoria Jim for illegally selling eagle parts. He prosecuted the "Twisp Trio" in 2012 for killing endangered gray wolves.
He argued before retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor in a case involving threatening communications through mail and successfully upheld the government's position.
Throughout his career, Ohms mentored younger attorneys and played a crucial role in recruiting talent to the Eastern District of Washington. His colleagues praised him for his dedication and skill as a prosecutor.
U.S. Attorney Waldref commented on Ohms' retirement: “Tim’s advocacy on behalf of the people of Eastern Washington is second-to-none... While we will miss Tim, his legacy will live on through the lives that he has touched over his storied 33-year career.”
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker added: “Tim played a key role in recruiting me to the Eastern District of Washington... The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington is a better place because of Tim Ohm’s Service.”
AUSA Earl A. Hicks stated: “Tim Ohms is an exceptional lawyer... Whenever he was in trial, I would become entranced by Tim’s incredible opening statements.”
Ohms graduated from Western Washington University with degrees in English and Classical Greek before earning his law degree from Seattle University School of Law.