Ferdinand Clay Sentenced to 12 Years for Marijuana Robbery, Seattle…

A brazen robbery of a marijuana distributor in a Maple Valley neighborhood has landed a second defendant, FERDINAND CLAY, 32, of Seattle, in prison for a long time. CLAY was sentenced today in U.S. District court in Seattle to 12 years in prison for his role in the August 13, 2013, robbery.

CLAY, along with co-defendant Melvin Charles Slaughter, 31, tied up and robbed Jason Loken, a marijuana dealer, stealing guns and marijuana from him. However, Loken managed to free himself and fired multiple shots at the fleeing robbers, critically wounding CLAY, who was shot in the face, neck, and hip.

The robbery took a violent turn when Loken, who had been restrained, escaped and chased after the robbers, firing his gun. CLAY and Slaughter sped away from the scene, tossing bloodied items, including stolen firearms, from their car. The items were later recovered by police along the highway.

CLAY and Slaughter, who both have extensive criminal histories, will serve lengthy prison sentences for their roles in the robbery. Slaughter was previously sentenced to 14 years in prison on April 25, 2014. Loken, the marijuana dealer, was also sentenced to 32 months in prison on May 27, 2014, for his involvement in the crime.

U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced the sentencing, stating, “Drug dealing is a volatile business, where guns and violence threaten public safety. All those involved in this crime are paying with their freedom for their criminal conduct.” U.S. District Judge Robert S. Lasnik also imposed 3 years of supervised release on CLAY.

The case was investigated by the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Vince Lombardi prosecuted the case, which highlights the dangers and consequences of violent crime in the drug trade.

The sentencing of CLAY and his co-defendants serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies are committed to combating violent crime and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The case also underscores the risks and consequences associated with the drug trade, where violence and guns often threaten public safety.