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Clinton Paul Patterson, a 42-year-old fentanyl kingpin, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his role in a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation that distributed tens of thousands of pills across Eastern Washington. The operation, which was uncovered by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, involved a sophisticated network of drug distributors operating between Seattle and Spokane, with meetings frequently arranged in Ritzville, Washington. Patterson’s operation was busted in December 2023, when law enforcement seized approximately 5,475 fentanyl pills, along with cocaine, firearms, and multiple cell phones from a residential search warrant. The investigation revealed that Patterson was the source of supply for the fentanyl being trafficked out of the residence, and that he directed drug distribution activities, coordinated meeting locations, and arranged payments through Cash App and cash exchanges.
Patterson was arrested on October 21, 2024, in Pasco, Washington, and subsequent searches of his residence and vehicle resulted in the seizure of additional narcotics, including approximately 1,449 grams of fentanyl and 189 grams of fentanyl pills. The investigation also uncovered text message evidence that revealed Patterson’s involvement in the drug trafficking operation, including messages that showed him directing drug distribution activities and arranging payments.
The sentence, which was handed down by United States District Court Judge Thomas Rice, includes 10 years of supervised release. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat the fentanyl epidemic in Eastern Washington, which has been plagued by the highly addictive and often deadly drug.
The investigation was conducted by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. The case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: Washington
- Location: WA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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