The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington has charged 21 individuals with federal drug and firearm offenses, as announced on May 8, 2025. These charges are a result of 15 separate indictments following a joint federal investigation that began in October 2024. The investigation targeted violent individuals and armed drug traffickers in Spokane and involved activities on Division Street downtown, described as an open-air drug market.
Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker expressed appreciation for the collaboration among various law enforcement agencies, stating, “I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of so many law enforcement agencies, who worked together to coordinate the takedown of this alleged drug trafficking operation.” He added, “Our community and nation are safer because of the work of our law enforcement and prosecution teams.”
Law enforcement seized nearly 14 pounds of methamphetamine, over one kilogram of heroin, more than 16,000 fentanyl pills, over 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, nearly $60,000 in drug proceeds, four vehicles, and 36 firearms during the operation. A civil forfeiture complaint was also filed against a local Spokane apartment complex allegedly used for distributing illegal drugs and obtaining firearms.
Among those charged are Andrew Vincent Auerbach for distribution and possession charges related to methamphetamine and firearms; Daryl Edward Boone with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl; James M. Ferguson for unlawful possession of a short-barreled shotgun; Jonathan Jacob Inglis who pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl; Nathan Carlson Johnson for methamphetamine distribution; James Lelacheur also charged with methamphetamine distribution; Christopher Wayne O’Neal currently held in Spokane County Jail from another investigation; Gabriella Sherif Rizkalla facing multiple counts related to methamphetamine distribution; Roland Dewayne Sanders charged with fentanyl distribution involving his minor child; Bernie Ray Shaw Jr. also charged with fentanyl distribution; Courtney A. Wheeler accused of firearm possession related to drug trafficking conspiracy along with Andrew Lee Williams and Anthony Dale Williams.
Some defendants will be arraigned at the Spokane Federal Courthouse on May 9, 2025. The case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative which focuses on dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a collaborative approach involving multiple agencies.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation alongside several other federal and local law enforcement bodies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Moses Lake Police Department (MLPD), Border Patrol (BP), Washington Department of Corrections (DOC), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.