GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE — A Puyallup, Washington man has pleaded guilty for the shooting deaths of two intruders at his marijuana grow operation. JEREMY PETER CAPODANNO, 36, entered a guilty plea in U.S. District Court in Tacoma, WA, to manufacturing marijuana and possession of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The grim scene unfolded on December 6, 2012, when CAPODANNO opened fire on two men who had broken into his garage, located within his Puyallup residence. Inside the garage, authorities discovered nearly 200 marijuana plants. CAPODANNO was arrested in April 2013, and today’s guilty plea marks a significant development in this tragic case.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, CAPODANNO is facing mandatory minimum sentencing of five years for using a firearm in relation to drug trafficking. He has agreed to forfeit nearly $670,000 in proceeds from the sale of two properties, his Puyallup home and a second residence in Kent, WA. Additionally, he is surrendering a 2008 Mercedes, a 2008 Toyota pickup truck, and five firearms seized at the scene.
“The defendant’s conduct put the safety of our community and his family at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan. “He armed himself expecting trouble, and unfortunately, he got it.” The plea comes as part of a broader enforcement strategy targeting those who use violence to protect illegal drug businesses.
CAPODANNO was found in possession of the Glock 17 semiautomatic pistol used to kill the two men. His truck contained more marijuana and additional weapons, including an assault rifle, another pistol, a shotgun, and a high-powered firearm known as a Professional Ordinance MDL Carbon 15.
The investigation into this case is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorneys Vince Lombardi and Matthew Thomas are prosecuting the case. Sentencing is set for January 17, 2014, before U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton.
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Key Facts
- State: Washington
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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