CLARKSTON, WA — A Clarkston man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after investigators found large quantities of methamphetamine and multiple firearms — including an unmarked “ghost gun” — during a search of his residence, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.

Federal prosecutors said Loyal Otis Dickson III, 40, received a 15-year sentence from U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice, followed by five years of supervised release.

The case began after law enforcement executed a search warrant at Dickson’s home on Nov. 6, 2024. Investigators seized roughly 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, several firearms, and components of an AR-style semiautomatic rifle that lacked a serial number — characteristics consistent with a “ghost gun,” according to court documents.

Dickson was initially arrested on state charges and later released. After a federal indictment was issued, Clarkston officers attempted to contact him. Prosecutors said he fled into Idaho and led officers on a short foot chase before being taken into custody.

U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said the case reflects ongoing efforts to confront drug trafficking in Eastern Washington.

“We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances,” Serrano said in the release, adding that traffickers bringing methamphetamine into communities pose significant risks.

Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the FBI’s Salt Lake City office said Dickson’s combination of meth trafficking and illegal firearms contributed to local addiction and violence.

“When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger,” Bohls said.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force, which includes the Lewiston Police Department, Clarkston Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca R. Perez prosecuted the case.