SPOKANE, WA – Johnathan Leslie Allen, a.k.a. “Ghost,” is facing 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. Senior District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson handed down the 180-month sentence Tuesday, following a multi-day jury trial that concluded November 17, 2023. Allen will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.
The case, built by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), revealed Allen’s operation involved coordinating drug deals via text and Facebook. In October 2022, Allen allegedly contacted two co-conspirators to procure several ounces of methamphetamine with the intent to resell. The drugs were ultimately sold to an undercover ATF agent at a Walmart in Spokane Valley, facilitated by one of Allen’s accomplices.
The criminal activity didn’t stop there. The following day, Allen allegedly supplied a Ruger 9mm firearm to the same co-conspirator, who then sold it to the same undercover agent at the Spokane Transit Authority bus plaza downtown. This brazen exchange highlighted Allen’s willingness to arm the streets alongside his drug trafficking. Allen and his co-conspirators were indicted in January 2023, and Allen was apprehended February 7, 2023, – ironically, while gambling at the Northern Quest Casino – with a loaded 9mm pistol in his sweatshirt pocket.
During the four-day trial, prosecutors presented evidence detailing Allen’s communication and actions. They also introduced evidence from Allen’s own Facebook account, revealing a pattern of narcotics distribution and illegal gun possession beyond the specific charges in this case, painting a picture of a habitual offender. The jury swiftly returned guilty verdicts on all counts, cementing Allen’s fate.
“I am grateful for the dedication of the investigators, agents, and prosecutors, who brought Mr. Allen to justice,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “As a result of such dedication, a dangerous offender, two illegal firearms, and illegal narcotics have been removed from the Spokane community.” ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais added bluntly, “Drugs and guns are a losing combination. Mr. Allen’s willingness to sell drugs and illegally possess firearms earned him this well-deserved sentence.”
Allen’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting their own sentencing hearings. Assistant United States Attorney David Herzog prosecuted the case. The ATF investigation, and subsequent conviction, serves as a grim reminder that federal agents are actively targeting individuals fueling the drug and gun trade in Eastern Washington. The Grimy Times will continue to follow the sentencing of Allen’s accomplices as the case develops.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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