Michael Paul Gradney, Drug and Gun Crimes, Washington 2012

A 35-year-old Auburn man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for his involvement in a string of drug and gun crimes in the White Center area of King County. Michael Paul Gradney, 35, was identified and prosecuted as part of the 2011 'Hot Spot' initiative aimed at combating street crime in the region.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Gradney sold cocaine to individuals working with law enforcement on two separate occasions in September 2011. In October 2011, law enforcement witnessed Gradney making multiple hand-to-hand drug sales at a gas station and various bars in the White Center neighborhood.

On October 13, 2011, officers searched Gradney's Auburn residence and seized a Glock 10 mm pistol, a North American Arms 22 caliber revolver, ammunition for three different firearms, more than $25,000 in cash, as well as cocaine and a scale with cocaine residue. Gradney is prohibited from possessing firearms due to his lengthy criminal history, which includes five prior felony convictions for drug offenses.

The White Center 'Hot Spot' initiative targeted law enforcement resources in the White Center area from July to October 2011. The operation focused on illegal gun sales and drug dealing, both on the street and in area businesses. As a result of the operation, approximately 50 people were arrested and law enforcement seized 68 guns, 51 lbs of methamphetamine, 2 lbs of crack cocaine, and more than 10 lbs of powder cocaine.

This case was an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation, providing supplemental federal funding to federal and state agencies involved. The investigation was a coordinated joint effort by ATF, the King County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the Seattle Police Department, the King County Metro Transit Police, Washington State Department of Corrections, Washington State Liquor Control Board, and the Eastside Narcotics Task Force.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Dion and Seth Wilkinson.

At sentencing, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart noted that Gradney lied during the trial and had a 'flagrant disregard for the law.'

Gradney was convicted in December 2012 after a five-day jury trial. His sentence includes 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/repeat-offender-sentenced-15-year-prison-term-drug-and-gun-crimes