SEATTLE — In a tough blow to the streets of Everett, Washington, 26-year-old Jacob D. Little faced justice today after being sentenced to 16 months in prison for stealing and selling a police rifle during a turbulent downtown Seattle protest on May 30, 2020.
The U.S. District Court in Seattle announced the sentence, which was delivered by Judge Richard A. Jones, who made it clear that Little’s actions put communities at risk. “You didn’t care (who you sold it to) as long as you got paid. You sold it to someone with mental health issues,” Judge Jones remarked during sentencing.
The theft of the high-powered Colt M4 rifle, equipped with a suppressor, was a brazen act caught on both Seattle Police surveillance footage and images shared online. Little is seen handling the large bag containing the stolen firearm outside the downtown Nordstrom store. The incident led to severe damage and the eventual torching of several police vehicles.
During the investigation, law enforcement retrieved electronic messages from Little, where he seemed to negotiate the sale of the rifle. In one such message, Little admitted to removing accessories from the gun that were present at the time of its theft, including the sling, suppressor, and a red dot sight.
Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham painted a picture of Little as someone who “hijacked a peaceful protest and made it dangerous,” when she addressed the court during sentencing. The rifle was eventually sold to an acquaintance known to have mental health issues and buried on his grandparents’ property in Snohomish County. The buyer later dug up the weapon after threatening his girlfriend, but police intervention prevented its use in a crime.
Little’s troubles didn’t end with the theft of the police rifle. Before being identified in this case, he was allegedly involved in an August 30, 2020, shooting in Renton, Washington. He is facing second-degree murder and assault charges for the incident, which occurred at a gathering of over 200 car enthusiasts. Little will be transferred to state custody to face these charges in King County Superior Court.
The investigation into Little’s crimes was a collaborative effort by the Seattle Police Department, ATF, Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force, United States Marshals Service, and Marysville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham handled the prosecution of the case.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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