SPOKANE, WA — A Spokane man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison following an investigation into a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation spanning Eastern Washington.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, 42-year-old Clinton Paul Patterson was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Thomas Rice to 240 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for his role in distributing fentanyl throughout the region.
Federal prosecutors said the case stemmed from a lengthy investigation by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Investigators identified a drug distribution network operating between Seattle and Spokane, with meetings frequently taking place in Ritzville.
Court documents stated that beginning in December 2023, authorities seized approximately 5,475 fentanyl pills weighing more than 480 grams, along with cocaine, firearms and multiple cell phones during the execution of a residential search warrant in Spokane. Investigators alleged the location was being used to distribute fentanyl.
According to prosecutors, text messages, phone records and financial transactions linked Patterson to the trafficking operation. Authorities said the investigation showed Patterson coordinated distribution activities, meeting locations and payments connected to drug transactions.
Patterson was arrested Oct. 21, 2024, in Pasco. Prosecutors said additional searches of his residence and vehicle led to the seizure of more narcotics, including approximately 1,449 grams of fentanyl recovered from a toilet after Patterson allegedly attempted to destroy evidence. Investigators also reported finding fentanyl pills in his vehicle, along with cocaine and MDMA inside the residence.
In announcing the sentence, federal officials cited Patterson’s criminal history, which included prior convictions for attempted second-degree murder and a previous federal drug trafficking offense. Prosecutors said Patterson had previously received a reduced federal sentence related to fentanyl distribution before reoffending.
First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said the sentence reflected the seriousness of the case and the quantity of fentanyl involved.
DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone said the case was part of ongoing efforts to disrupt fentanyl trafficking networks and reduce overdose deaths linked to the drug.
The investigation involved the DEA, Spokane Police Department and the RAVEN Task Force.
