Richard R. Barker has been appointed as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington following the resignation of Vanessa R. Waldref. His appointment comes under the Vacancies Reform Act.
Barker has extensive experience in prosecution, having served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014. He has held several roles, including First Assistant United States Attorney and Tribal Liaison. Barker began his career as a dedicated homicide prosecutor in Washington D.C. before moving to Spokane in 2019.
His notable cases include prosecuting Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for double murder on the Colville Indian Reservation and Ronald Craig Ilg, who attempted to hire hitmen via the dark web. In 2023, he prosecuted the "Fetty Bros" Drug Trafficking Organization responsible for distributing fentanyl and other drugs across Eastern Washington.
Barker has also played a crucial role in increasing resources for Native American Reservations and received a Department of Justice Director’s Award in 2024 for his work with Native American communities.
“I have loved serving as a federal prosecutor," Barker said, expressing appreciation for his team and their dedication to justice.
Outgoing U.S. Attorney Waldref praised Barker's leadership skills and commitment to protecting Eastern Washington communities.
Barker graduated from Brigham Young University Law School with highest honors and previously worked at Davis Polk, LLP, in Washington D.C. He is also an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law.