A man from St. Michael, Alaska, was sentenced to over three years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after being convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon during a domestic violence incident. Ryan Washington, 40, faced charges related to events occurring on October 21, 2023.
As stated in court documents, Washington began with verbal assaults at the residence of witnesses in St. Michael. He left the scene with a shotgun, claiming he intended to go "duck hunting," prompting a witness to inform the Village Police Officer (VPO). Upon returning, Washington directed the shotgun at a witness, demanding their exit from the residence. The witness, fearing for their safety, complied and reported the assault to law enforcement.
Officers from the Alaska State Troopers (AST) were involved following this report. The Troopers, upon investigation the following morning, interviewed a witness, apprehended Washington, and confiscated the firearm. Washington had prior convictions for state felonies, including assault and sexual abuse of a minor. He later pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman underscored the significance of prosecuting federal crimes in rural villages, remarking, "Mr. Washington is a repeat criminal offender who has consistently caused problems in the St. Michael community." He encouraged the reporting of such crimes for effective law enforcement collaboration.
Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes emphasized the state's commitment to accountability and victim justice, stating, "This sentence sends a clear message: violent offenders who use firearms to harm others will face significant jail time for their actions." Echoing this sentiment, Jonathan Blais from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) seattle Special Agent in Charge said, "Domestic violence has no place in our communities."
The Alaska State Troopers and the ATF Anchorage Field Office led the investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak and referred by the Alaska Department of Law, Nome District Attorney's Office.