SPOKANE, WA — A Spokane man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple charges tied to sex trafficking, drug distribution and illegal firearm possession.
James Anthony Stinson, 55, was sentenced March 18 following convictions on 11 felony counts, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release and pay $28,000 in restitution to victims.
The investigation began in 2021 after controlled purchases of crack cocaine led law enforcement to hotel rooms in Spokane Valley connected to Stinson. A search warrant uncovered methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine and fentanyl pills, along with multiple firearms he was prohibited from possessing.
Authorities also found evidence the rooms were used for sex trafficking. Prosecutors said Stinson used force, fraud and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex work and turn over proceeds. Digital evidence included videos and messages documenting threats and violence against victims.
Stinson had prior convictions for drug delivery and illegal firearm possession and was on federal supervised release at the time of his arrest.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from local law enforcement, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
