Jac Archer, Justice Forral, Bajun Mavalwalla II, Conspiracy to Impede Federal Officers, Washington 2026

Eastern Washington Jury Convicts Three Defendants of Conspiring to Impede Federal Officers

A jury of twelve people from across the Eastern District of Washington convicted Defendants Jac Archer, Justice Forral, and Bajun Mavalwalla II of violating federal law by conspiring to impede law enforcement officers or injure property used in the execution of their duties.

On May 28, 2026, after 8 days of trial and over a day of deliberations, the jury found Defendants guilty, beyond a reasonable doubt, of the crime. Sentencing has not yet been set by United States District Judge Rebecca L. Pennell, who oversaw the trial.

The charges arose from an event at an ICE facility in Spokane in June 2025, where defendants and others prevented law enforcement officers from engaging in their official duties of transporting individuals from a detention facility in Spokane to a detention facility and the immigration court near Tacoma.

For more than nine hours, officers were denied the ability to transport the detainees. The charged defendants and uncharged co-conspirators destroyed property, blocked exits to prevent officers from safely leaving with the detainees. Several officers testified during the trial that they feared for their safety because of the actions taken by the defendants and other co-conspirators.

After the Grand Jury returned its Indictment, nearly a year of extensive litigation took place, with each defendant retaining or being appointed highly-experienced criminal defense counsel. The defense lawyers in this case ranged from the two leaders of the Federal Defender’s office and two former federal prosecutors, to multiple attorneys from a well-respected private law firm in Spokane.

Defendant:

Jac Archer, Justice Forral, Bajun Mavalwalla II

Criminal Charges:

Conspiracy to Impede Federal Officers

City and State:

Spokane, Washington

Exact Date:

May 28, 2026

Sentence or Outcome:

Guilty, Sentencing pending

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/eastern-washington-jury-convicts-three-defendants-conspiring-impede-federal-officers