Charles General, Possesses Stolen Firearm, Washington 2023

Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that in 2023, her office prosecuted 85 defendants for various firearm offenses, resulting in the seizure and forfeiture of 163 illegally owned, possessed, used, or obtained firearms.

The majority of these cases were prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods.

The 85 defendants were charged with various federal firearm offenses, including Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Person Convicted of Domestic Violence, First-Degree Murder, and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer.

U.S. Attorney Waldref stated, “The 85 firearm offenders my office prosecuted in 2023 had access to illegal firearms and many demonstrated an inclination for violence. These prosecutions are a stark reminder of the nexus of firearms and violent crimes.”

Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office, added, “The FBI works alongside our law enforcement partners to keep our communities and neighborhoods safe. The impact of firearms violations highlighted from 2023 represent a step forward in achieving that aim.”

David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division, noted, “The nexus between drug trafficking and firearms illustrates the danger of violence at the hands of members of drug trafficking organizations.”

Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, emphasized, “ATF supports our 2nd Amendment rights to bear arms. But when people commit crimes with firearms, or possess illegal firearms, ATF is at the forefront of ensuring these people are investigated and referred for prosecution, making our communities safer and protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.”

Related Federal Cases