Two members of drug trafficking organizations linked to Aryan prison gangs have been sentenced to significant prison terms in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, according to U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Eric Smith, 54, from Tacoma, received a twelve-year sentence, while Sara Thompson, 39, from Bonney Lake, Washington, was sentenced to seven years.
The sentences were handed down as part of an investigation into drug trafficking organizations connected with the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs. At Eric Smith's sentencing hearing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo remarked on the impact of drugs like fentanyl: “These drugs, particularly fentanyl, are creating a mess in our community. It creates people who can no longer function and leads to overdose and death.”
U.S. Attorney Gorman commented on the defendants' roles: “Both of these defendants served as trusted coconspirators for the leaders of distribution cells identified in this case,” adding that they were responsible for distributing large quantities of potentially lethal fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Special Agent W. Mike Herrington from the FBI’s Seattle field office highlighted the danger posed by fentanyl pills introduced into communities: “Every Fentanyl pill introduced into our communities has the potential to destroy lives.” He emphasized ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking.
Eric Smith admitted his involvement in conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking after being caught with various weapons while aiding Jesse Bailey in distributing over 50 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Sara Thompson pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy charges and continued her activities even after her partner Yehoshua Kilp was arrested on state charges. Authorities seized substantial amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl during a raid on an Airbnb where she stayed with Kilp.
Chief Judge Estudillo addressed the broader implications at Thompson's sentencing: “The crime that’s associated with controlled substances...It’s just a path of destruction for everybody around it.”
David F. Reames from DEA Seattle Field Division underscored their commitment against such criminal activities: “Mr. Smith and Ms. Thompson helped a hate group distribute over a million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl into our neighborhoods.”
On March 22, 2023, law enforcement made two dozen arrests as part of this investigation led by multiple agencies including the FBI and DEA. The operation resulted in seizures of firearms, drugs including methamphetamine and fentanyl pills, heroin, cocaine, along with cash from locations across Washington and Arizona.
Jesse Bailey is scheduled for sentencing on May 16, 2025; his wife Candace Bailey will be sentenced on June 13, 2025.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks through collaborative efforts among federal and local agencies.
The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer.