Spokane Valley Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison

SPOKANA—Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Ian Michael Harris, age 41, of Spokane Valley, Washington, was sentenced after having previously pleaded guilty on August 5, 2013, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure (actual) methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of pure (actual) methamphetamine. Senior United States District Court Judge Justin L. Quackenbush sentenced Harris to a 25-year term of imprisonment, to be followed by a ten-year term of court supervision, after he is released from federal prison.

According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, in 2012, the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force (NIVCTF) began an investigation into Harris’ methamphetamine trafficking organization. The investigation revealed that Harris was a multi-pound distributor of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Washington, as well as in the District of Idaho. Harris would make a trip to the Tri-Cities area about every 10 days to obtain methamphetamine, which he would bring to the Spokane area and distribute in large quantities to individuals he knew would re-sell the drugs in Washington and Idaho. Immediately after one trip to the Tri-Cities, Harris was observed with approximately eight to 10 pounds of methamphetamine.

On April 2, 2013, the NIVCTF obtained a search warrant for Harris’ shop on Dishman Road in Spokane Valley, Washington. The search warrant was executed following a reported shooting at that location. The search of the shop revealed over 1,600 rounds of various caliber ammunition hidden in a secret room, as well as firearms and a small amount of methamphetamine. A search warrant was also obtained for Harris’ Chevrolet Camaro. The search of the Camaro revealed four firearms and ammunition, as well as explosives. During the investigation, the NIVCTF also located approximately three pounds of methamphetamine and several loaded handguns in motorcycle saddle bags in the master bedroom of Harris’ residence.

Michael C. Ormsby said, “The 25-year sentence imposed in this case reflects the serious impact that methamphetamine has on communities. Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug and this office, in partnership with state, local, and federal law enforcement officers, is committed to aggressively prosecute methamphetamine traffickers and to seek appropriate punishment, as was done in this case. Distribution of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Washington and in the surrounding areas will not be tolerated.”

This case was investigated by the North Idaho Violent Crimes Task Force, which is composed of law enforcement offices with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Idaho State Police, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Bonner County Sherriff’s Office, Coeur d’Alene Police Department, Post Falls Police Department, and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Police. This case was prosecuted by Caitlin A. Baunsgard, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.