Kenneth H. Crause, Fentanyl Trafficking, Washington 2024

A repeat offender has been brought to justice in Spokane, Washington, after being sentenced to 204 months in federal prison for his involvement in fentanyl trafficking.

Kenneth H. Crause, 55, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl in a federal court. Judge Mary K. Dimke handed down the sentence, which also includes a life term of supervised release following Crause’s prison term.

The sentence was the result of a lengthy investigation by the Spokane Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. The investigation revealed that Crause was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction when he continued to engage in fentanyl trafficking.

On October 8, 2024, officers executed search warrants at Crause’s residence and vehicle and found multiple controlled substances, including over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 28 grams of cocaine.

The search also yielded multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking, as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause.

Additionally, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle, and Crause’s person.

First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano stated, ‘Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community. Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk.’

Special Agent in Charge David F. Reames added, ‘Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed. As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.’

The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorney Earl A. Hicks.

Mandatory facts: Defendant’s real full name: Kenneth H. Crause; Exact criminal charges: Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl; City and state: Spokane, Washington; Exact date: October 8, 2024; Sentence or outcome: 204 months in federal prison; Dollar amounts: $53,902.

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