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United States of America v. Charles Michael McClain
Date: 08-15-2025
Case Number: 2:24-cr-00093
Judge: Thomas O. Rice
Court: The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Spokane County)
Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Spokane
Defendant's Attorney: Click Here For The Best Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory
Description:
Spokane Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing a Firearm
United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Charles Michael McClain, age 40, of Spokane, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. McClain was found guilty on May 6, 2025, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced McClain to 20 years in federal prison.
Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, in early 2024, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force developed information that McClain was supplying illegal drugs, including fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, to dealers in the Clarkston, Washington, area.
On May 6, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at McClain's apartment on Riverton Avenue in Spokane. Agents located various drug paraphernalia, baggies, methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and 359 fentanyl pills. Agents also located a firearm under McClain's pillow and approximately $18,000 in the apartment. On scene, McClain told agents he had purchased approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 10 ounces of fentanyl powder every month for about a year. On May 6th, the day of the warrant execution, McClain had planned on making another purchase using some of the cash found in his apartment.
McClain been previously convicted in Washington state court of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in state custody.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington, "Deadly drugs claim more victims every day, including here in Eastern Washington. We are prioritizing the prosecution of these cases and working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities, keeping these dangerous substances out of the hands of drug traffickers and out of our communities.â€
"Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms are a deadly combination that puts out communities at extreme risk,†said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City Federal Bureau of Investigation. "When agencies work together, we can successfully put drug traffickers out of business and in prison.â€
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff's Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.
Spokane, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing a Firearm
Spokane Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing a Firearm
United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Charles Michael McClain, age 40, of Spokane, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. McClain was found guilty on May 6, 2025, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced McClain to 20 years in federal prison.
Based on court documents and evidence presented at trial and sentencing, in early 2024, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force developed information that McClain was supplying illegal drugs, including fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, to dealers in the Clarkston, Washington, area.
On May 6, 2024, agents executed a search warrant at McClain's apartment on Riverton Avenue in Spokane. Agents located various drug paraphernalia, baggies, methamphetamine, fentanyl powder, and 359 fentanyl pills. Agents also located a firearm under McClain's pillow and approximately $18,000 in the apartment. On scene, McClain told agents he had purchased approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 10 ounces of fentanyl powder every month for about a year. On May 6th, the day of the warrant execution, McClain had planned on making another purchase using some of the cash found in his apartment.
McClain been previously convicted in Washington state court of Delivery of a Controlled Substance, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in state custody.
U.S. Attorney Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington, "Deadly drugs claim more victims every day, including here in Eastern Washington. We are prioritizing the prosecution of these cases and working with our law enforcement partners to vigorously disrupt the sources of drugs in our communities, keeping these dangerous substances out of the hands of drug traffickers and out of our communities.â€
"Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms are a deadly combination that puts out communities at extreme risk,†said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City Federal Bureau of Investigation. "When agencies work together, we can successfully put drug traffickers out of business and in prison.â€
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff's Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez.
Outcome:
20 years in federal prison.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of United States of America v. Charles Michael McClain?
The outcome was: 20 years in federal prison.
Which court heard United States of America v. Charles Michael McClain?
This case was heard in The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Spokane County), WA. The presiding judge was Thomas O. Rice.
Who were the attorneys in United States of America v. Charles Michael McClain?
Plaintiff's attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Spokane. Defendant's attorney: Click Here For The Best Spokane, Washington Criminal Defense Law Lawyer Directory.
When was United States of America v. Charles Michael McClain decided?
This case was decided on August 15, 2025.