Zachary Wade Bennett, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Washington 2020

SPOKANE, WA – Zachary Wade Bennett, 41, of Spokane Valley, is headed to federal prison for seven years after a September 2020 raid on his home uncovered a disturbing arsenal. Bennett was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice to 84 months for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, followed by three years of supervised release.

The bust began when Spokane County Sheriff’s detectives received intel suggesting Bennett, a previously convicted felon, was actively dealing drugs and hoarding weapons. Deputies executed a search warrant at his residence, where they found Bennett attempting to hide in the attic. He admitted to deliberately avoiding contact with law enforcement, knowing a warrant would likely lead to his arrest. Bennett even brazenly claimed there were no guns inside.

That claim proved to be a lie. The search revealed a staggering ten firearms, including three AR-15 rifles, alongside a substantial amount of ammunition. But the weapons weren’t the whole story. Deputies also seized drug paraphernalia, detailed ledgers documenting his drug distribution network, heroin, and hallucinogenic mushrooms – painting a picture of a dangerous combination of illegal activity.

Court records show Bennett’s criminal history includes prior convictions for burglary, first degree, and robbery, second degree, both secured in Spokane County Superior Court. This wasn’t a first-time offender simply making a mistake; this was a repeat criminal actively flouting the law and endangering the community. The sentence reflects that reality.

“I commend the work of our law enforcement partners who work to prevent violent crime by ensuring that repeat offenders like Mr. Bennett do not stockpile firearms and ammunition,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref for the Eastern District of Washington. ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan T. McPherson echoed that sentiment, stating, “Drug dealing and stolen firearms in the hands of a convicted felon are a dangerous combination for the community. This sentence demonstrates that these types of actions will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Cashman prosecuted the case, securing the 84-month sentence and sending a clear message: arming a felon will carry significant consequences in the Eastern District of Washington.

Related Federal Cases