Yakima, Washington – Federal authorities have sentenced Benjamin D. Cliett from Yakima, Washington, to two years in prison following his conviction on charges of possessing firearms while subject to a domestic violence-related no-contact order. U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke handed down the sentence, which includes an additional three years of supervised release.
The case against Cliett unfolded after Yakima Police Department officers responded to his residence on July 23, 2022. The response came after neighbors reported loud noises and potential domestic disturbance at the location. Aware of the existing no-contact order against Cliett, officers entered the home, found his partner inside, and conducted a protective sweep. Cliett was apprehended in the backyard, hiding in a doghouse.
During the sweep, officers discovered a gun safe in the bedroom and, upon obtaining a search warrant, later seized 18 firearms along with various ammunition and magazines.
"Victims of domestic violence often feel trapped in abusive relationships, where they face higher risks of being shot or killed by their abuser than the general public," said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. "This is why it is so important to enforce laws that keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers—it really can save lives."
ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais expressed a similar sentiment, stating, "Mr. Cliett made many wrong choices that day. He knew that he had a no-contact order and that prohibited him from having access to firearms. We hope that this prison sentence will give Mr. Cliett time to think about his actions and turn his life around."
The investigation was carried out by the ATF and the Yakima Police Department, with the prosecution led by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.