Spokane, Washington – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that 21 individuals have been charged following the return of 15 separate indictments alleging dozens of charges against these defendants.  Certain of the individuals indicated are not yet in federal custody. 

 

The arrests follow a long-term joint federal investigation that began in October 2024, led by the by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This 7-month long investigation has targeted violent individuals and armed drug traffickers in Spokane as well as individuals operating in what has become nothing less than an open-air drug market on Division Street downtown..  These individuals have been problems in multiple states, impacting multiple communities during their lifetimes, in not only Washington State, but also Texas, Nevada, North Dakota, Montana, Alabama, Idaho, Oregon, and California.

 

Upon release of the latest indictment, which was unsealed earlier today upon the arrest of several additional suspects, Acting United States Attorney Rich Barker stated, “I am grateful for the coordinated efforts of so many law enforcement agencies, who worked together to coordinate the takedown of this alleged drug trafficking operation.”  Acting U.S. Attorney Barker continued, “It is an honor work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners on such important prosecutions, which help remove illegal drugs and firearms from our community.  Our community and nation are safer, because of the work of our law enforcement and prosecution teams.”

 

To date, agents seized just shy of 14-pounds of methamphetamine, over 1 kilogram of heroin, over 16,000 fentanyl pills, over 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, almost $60,000 in drug proceeds, as well as four vehicles and 36 firearms.  In connection with the prosecution, the United States has filed a civil forfeiture complaint in the Eastern District of Washington against a local Spokane apartment complex located near North Central High School, which allegedly was being used to distribute illegal drugs and a place for individuals to obtain firearms. Properties such as this one are not only a community safety issue as a free for all of illicit activity, they are also a drain on public resources that could be used elsewhere.  For example, in the last 2.5 years, records show there have been approximately 58 separate calls for service at the address.

 

According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals, many of whom have ties to various street gangs and who have a history of violence, have been charged in connection with the investigation. Additionally, the names of others indicted in connection with this investigation will be unsealed upon the arrest of those individuals.

 

Andrew Vincent Auerbach, charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking.  Auerbach has a prior federal conviction for Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

 

Daryl Edward Boone, 45, charged with Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, Possess with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl, Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine

 

James M. Ferguson, 33, charged with Unlawful Possession of a Short-Barreled Shotgun

 

Jonathan Jacob Inglis, 40, pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. On January 30, 2025, he was sentenced to 151 months in prison.

 

Nathan Carlson Johnson, 44, charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine.

 

James Lelacheur, 56, charged with Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine. 

 

Christopher Wayne O’Neal, charged with Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine.  O’Neal is currently in Spokane County Jail stemming from a separate drug trafficking investigation.

 

Gabriella Sherif Rizkalla, charged with multiple counts of Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, and Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine

 

Roland Dewayne Sanders, 36, charged with Distribution of Fentanyl, Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl.  Sanders was on federal supervised release at the time of his offense and utilized his minor child to assist in the distribution of fentanyl.

 

Bernie Ray Shaw Jr., 45, charged with Distribution of Fentanyl

 

Courtney A. Wheeler, charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

 

Andrew Lee Williams, charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

 

Anthony Dale Williams, charged with Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking and Conspiracy to Possess a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, multiple counts of Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, and Distribution of Cocaine.

 

Certain of the individuals will be arraigned at the Spokane Federal Courthouse on May 9, 2025, at 10:00am.

 

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation along with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Moses Lake Police Department, Border Patrol, and the Washington Department of Corrections. Additional assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

 

WILLIAMS et al - 2:25-CR-75-RLP

SANDERS – 2:25-CR-15-MKD

LELACHER – 2:24-CR-16-MKD

FERGUSON – 2:24-CR-158-RLP

JOHNSON – 2:24-CR-159-MKD

AUERBACH – 2:25-CR-16-TOR

INGLIS – 2:23-CR-56-TOR

SHAW – 2:24-CR-163-MKD

BOONE – 2:24-CR-164-RLP

United States of America v. Real Property Known as 625 West Maxwell Avenue Spokane Washington et al, 2:25-cv-00148-RLP

Richland, WA — April 10, 2025 — Christensen Inc., a leading distributor of fuel and industrial lubricants across the western US, is proud to announce the appointment of George Fuller, as the company’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
 

With over 25 years of experience in operations, strategy, and supply chain management, George Fuller has a proven track record of driving performance, optimizing operations, and leading high-impact teams in complex environments. His appointment marks a significant step forward in Christensen’s commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth.
 

“We are thrilled to have George on Christensen’s executive team,” said Tony Christensen, Chief Executive Officer of Christensen Inc. “His depth of leadership, experience scaling operations, and customer-first mindset are the perfect match for where we’re headed. He has a tremendous passion for people and will play a vital role as we continue expanding our services and footprint.”
 

Prior to joining Christensen, Fuller held senior leadership roles at companies such as Hydrite Chemical Manufacturing and Univar Solutions, where he led large-scale logistics, procurement, and sales initiatives. Most recently, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Shrieve, overseeing a multi-national chemical distributing and manufacturing company.
 

In his new role, Fuller will lead Christensen’s daily operations, supply chain functions, and sales across all the company’s operating divisions.
 

“At this phase of my life, I could not be more excited to be in the position where I can be part of such a great organization with great people,” said Fuller. “It’s not about one department or person, it’s about all of us collectively working together on this growth trajectory, and I believe we will achieve this because of the team members I know and will get to know.”
 

For more information, visit www.christensenusa.com.

Spokane, WA:  At 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Richard R. Barker, ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais, DEA Special Agent in Charge David Reames, HSI Acting Deputy Special Agent in Charge Ellen Johnson, as well as additional federal and local law enforcement, anticipate holding a joint press conference to make a significant law enforcement announcement relating to Spokane and Eastern Washington.

The press event is scheduled to take place in front of the Thomas S. Foley United States Courthouse, located at 920 West Riverside Ave, Spokane, WA 99201.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office anticipates being able to release additional information immediately prior to the press conference.