SPOKANE, WA — A 55-year-old man has been sentenced to 204 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing large quantities of fentanyl with intent to distribute, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
U.S. District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause to 17 years in prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Crause pleaded guilty to possession with intent to deliver 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, investigators with the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit were actively investigating Crause for drug trafficking while he was already under federal supervision for a prior drug-related conviction. Search warrants were executed on Crause’s residence and vehicle on October 8, 2024.
During the search, officers reportedly seized more than 1,298 grams of powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine, and about 28 grams of cocaine. Investigators also found digital drug scales, pay-and-owe ledgers, and other items associated with drug distribution. Protective equipment such as respirators and gloves was also recovered, indicating awareness of the dangers associated with handling fentanyl.
Authorities additionally seized approximately $53,902 in U.S. currency from Crause’s residence, vehicle, and person.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney S. Pete Serrano said Crause continued trafficking fentanyl despite being under court supervision, placing the community at risk. Federal officials emphasized that the length of the sentence reflects both the seriousness of the offense and Crause’s prior convictions.
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division, said the sentence was necessary to prevent further harm from what he described as an unreformed trafficker.
Investigators also raised concerns about safety conditions inside the residence, noting that fentanyl residue and drug-related waste were reportedly accessible to a child, posing a serious risk of illness or death from exposure.
The case was investigated jointly by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl A. Hicks.
