Seattle Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from Wikimedia user Cacophony
Welcome to Seattle Field Division, ATF’s largest geographic division in the country. We cover Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Hawaii and Guam. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, investigators, auditors, technicians and support staff.
ATF has the duty to regulate the firearms and explosives industries. Our goal is to ensure that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled and sold in a safe and legal manner. In the Northwest, this includes construction and mining industries who use explosives routinely in their business.
In addition to regulatory functions, the investigative priorities of the Seattle Field Division include firearms trafficking, gang violence, bombings/explosives and tobacco diversion. The modernization of our National Firearms Tracing Center and the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network has contributed to the success of these initiatives.
ATF Seattle is committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods and has created a multi-agency Violent Crime Gang Task Force in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies. Some of our more notable violent crime investigations have involved the Bandidos, East African Posse and Surenos gangs. Seattle is also home to the newest ATF Crime Gun Center.
ATF Seattle proactively investigates violations of federal law pertaining to firearms, arson and explosives. We work jointly with state and local fire departments and police departments in a myriad of complex investigations, to include serial arsons, fatality bombings and domestic/ international firearms trafficking.
We encourage all residents in the Seattle Field Division to be diligent in the fight against crime and to get involved in their communities. For additional resources, information, questions and opportunities - please give us a call. Our phone number is (206) 389-5800.
Kelvin N. Crenshaw
Division Management Team
- Kelvin N. Crenshaw
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Robert M. Levingston
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Charles E. Smith
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Janet C. Van Haelst
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Cheryl D. Bishop
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Seattle Press Release Updates
Two of Dollison Family Sentenced to Federal Prison for Cocaine Distribution
August 27, 2010
Karen L. Loeffler, U.S. Attorney for the District of Alaska announced that on August 27, 2010, two members of the Dollison Family were sentenced in federal court in Anchorage for cocaine distribution. More »
Grand Jury Indicts Honolulu Man for Fireworks Offenses
August 26, 2010
A federal grand jury indicted Honolulu resident Brandon C. Haleamau, age 26, yesterday on three charges of transporting display fireworks without a license, one charge of importing display fireworks from China by means of a false declaration, and one charge of structuring financial transactions totaling over $1.1 million to evade federal currency transaction reporting requirements. More »
Kitsap County Repeat Offender Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Gun Crimes
August 24, 2010
David Glenn Harrison, 27, of Bremerton, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Harrison was arrested in June 2009 and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen firearm. More »
Anchorage Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Firearms Crime
August 20, 2010
An Anchorage man was indicted by a federal grand jury in Anchorage for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Acting United States Attorney Kevin Feldis announced today that Eric Suggs, 36, of Anchorage, Alaska, was indicted for one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The one-count indictment named Suggs as the sole defendant. More »
Pierce County Repeat Offender Sentenced to Long Prison Term for Drug and Gun Crimes
August 13, 2010
JOSHUA TIMOTHY RODGERS, 52, of Tacoma, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 20 years in prison and five years of supervised release for possession of methamphetamine and oxycodone, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and being armed during commission of a drug trafficking crime. RODGERS was arrested December 16, 2009. More »
Federal Way Resident Sentenced to 7+ Years in Prison for Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy
August 6, 2010
Jonathan Jose Espinoza, 19, of Federal Way, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 87 months in prison and five years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Espinoza was convicted by a federal court jury April 20, 2010, following a five day trial. More »
Anchorage Drug Dealer Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison
August 5, 2010
United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that on August 4, 2010, Ishmael Schmidt, a resident of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage to 100 months imprisonment for his conviction of distribution of crack cocaine, attempted distribution of crack cocaine, and possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, as well as possession of firearm during a drug-trafficking offense. More »
Thirteen People Indicted on Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
July 23, 2010
Thirteen people were indicted this week by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. All thirteen have been arrested. Initial appearances were held for 12 of the 13 defendants on July 20, 2010. A trial has been scheduled for September 13, 2010. More »
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Money Laundering
July 21, 2010
United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced that on July 16, 2010, Gilberto Gonzalez, a.k.a. “Toro,” a.k.a. Victor Manuel Reyes, a citizen of Mexico who illegally returned to the United States after a prior conviction for drug trafficking, was sentenced in federal court in Anchorage to 20 years of imprisonment for his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and money laundering. More »
Operation Archangel Nets 19 Federal Arrests
July 14, 2010
Today, James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced the culmination of Operation Archangel, a law enforcement operation targeting area gang members and their associates who are involved in the illegal distribution of controlled substances and related crimes, including firearms violations, occurring in the Spokane regional area. More »
Anchorage Gang Member Sentenced to 17 Years in Federal Prison for His Role in Drug and Gun Conspiracy
July 12, 2010
United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today, July 12, 2010, that Phonesavanh Vongthongdy, of Anchorage, Alaska, was sentenced to17 years imprisonment for his role in a violent, multi-defendant drug conspiracy. More »
Cigarette Broker and Warehouse Co-Owner Sentenced for Trafficking in Untaxed Cigarettes
July 9, 2010
Two people who conspired to sell contraband cigarettes to tribal smoke shops in Washington were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to prison terms and tens of millions in restitution for their criminal conspiracy. RICK CONN, a cigarette broker based in California, was sentenced to 20 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and more than $20 million in restitution for Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes, and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. More »
Yakima Valley Sweep Nets Fifteen
July 1, 2010
James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced the culmination of a multi-agency gang enforcement operation in the Yakima valley. More »
Leader of Anchorage Drug Ring Convicted of Conspiracy and Possessing Machine Guns and Firearms in Furtherance of Conspiracy
June 21, 2010
JUAN HERNANDEZ, 54, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced in federal court today relating to a plot to hire a hitman to commit murder. More »
Man Charged in Pipe Bomb Case
June 17, 2010
Larry Fairfax, 49, of Sagle, Idaho, was charged by complaint yesterday with the manufacture and possession of destructive devices. An initial court appearance was held on June 16, and the defendant was ordered temporarily detained by the presiding U.S. Magistrate Judge. A detention hearing has been set for June 21, 2010, at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. According to the affidavit filed with the complaint, Fairfax admitted that he had built two pipe bombs as part of a murder-for-hire plot. More »
Swinomish Tribal Members Sentenced for Contraband Cigarette Scheme
June 16, 2010
Two members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, C. MARVIN WILBUR, 72, his wife, JOAN C. WILBUR, 73, and their daughters-in-law, APRIL M. WILBUR, 45, and BRENDA R. WILBUR, 50, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes. The WILBURs owned and operated the Trading Post at March Point on the Swinomish Indian Reservation near Anacortes, Washington. C. MARVIN WILBUR was sentenced to a year and a day in prison and 3 years of supervised release for the cigarette trafficking conspiracy and for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. More »
Methamphetamine Dealer Gets 17.5 Years in Federal Prison
June 15, 2010
James A. McDevitt, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that yesterday, Jesus Guillermo Bueno-Martinez, age 34, originally from Mexico and formerly residing in Pasco, was sentenced to 210 months in prison. While it is expected that Jesus Guillermo Bueno-Martinez will be deported from the United States, he will be under federal court supervision for the rest of his life, should he attempt to return to the United States. More »
Renton Resident Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
June 11, 2010
FLORENCIO VILLA-CRUZ, aka Rodolfo Salas-Zarate, 27, of Renton, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to ten years in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. VILLA-CRUZ is a Mexican citizen who likely will be deported following his prison term. At sentencing U.S. District Judge Richard S. Jones noted that VILLA-CRUZ was involved in a very large drug distribution ring. More »
Last of Four Family Members Convicted in Federal Court of Cocaine Conspiracy and Distribution
June 9, 2010
Acting United States Attorney Kevin Feldis announced that on June 8, 2010, the last of four Anchorage family members charged with federal narcotics crimes pled guilty today in federal court in Anchorage to distribution of crack cocaine and drug conspiracy. More »
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Drug and Gun Crimes
May 28, 2010
LEONEL MARIN-TORRES, 40, a Cuban national living in Seattle, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 16 years in prison and 8 years of supervised release for possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm. MARIN-TORRES was arrested March 25, 2009, and was convicted following a jury trial March 2, 2010. More »
Boise Man Sentenced for Gun and Drug Crimes
May 18, 2010
Michael Robert Hoaglen, 49, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced yesterday to 295 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, the United States Attorney’s Office announced. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge also order Hoaglen to serve five years supervised release following his prison term, and required him to pay a $2000 fine. Hoaglen had entered a guilty plea to the charges in February 2010. More »
Albany Man Receives 10-Year Sentence for Burning Pregnancy Alternatives Center
April 20, 2010
David Allen Rios, 31, of Albany, Oregon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Judge Michael R. Hogan to 10 years in prison and three years of supervised release. Rios had earlier entered a guilty plea to committing arson at the Pregnancy Alternatives Center in Lebanon, Oregon. More »
Felon Who Fired Shots Over I-5 Freeway Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Illegal Gun Possession
April 2, 2010
RICHARD FLOYD BLAKE, 32, a transient living in a wooded area in north Seattle, was sentenced yesterday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Seattle to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. BLAKE was responsible for the gunfire on August 28, 2009, that shut down Interstate 5 in both directions around 9:30 in the evening. More »
ATF Conducts Large Scale Disposal of Illegal Explosives on Island of Saipan
April 2, 2010
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced today they will be conducting a large scale disposal operation of hazardous illegal explosives devices on the island of Saipan. The disposal will be conducted in partnership with the Common Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) Department of Public Safety, CNMI Department of Public Works and the Saipan Fire Department. More »
ATF K-9’s Help Protect Spokane NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament
March 19, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s NCAA tournament is a basketball player. Two highly-trained K-9 dogs from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will help keep fans and players safe this weekend at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington. Virgil, and his Seattle based partner, ATF Special Agent Kent Plemons, along with Pepper (also known as Little Wiggle Butt), and her partner Deputy J.P Melton of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, will be closely watching for anything that could be used to disrupt the games. More »
Cocaine Trafficker Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Term
February 26, 2010
CEDRIC BARQUET, 29, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Crack Cocaine, and additional counts of Possession of Cocaine and Crack Cocaine with intent to Distribute. More »
Defendant Prosecuted as part of Federal Crackdown on Gang Violence
February 16, 2010
JOEL BERNARD PERRY, 29, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 78 months in prison and five years of supervised release for Distribution of Crack Cocaine. More »
Swinomish Tribal Members Plead Guilty to Contraband Cigarette Scheme
February 12, 2010
Two members of the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, C. MARVIN WILBUR, 71, his wife, JOAN C. WILBUR, 72, and their daughters-in-law, APRIL M. WILBUR, 44, and BRENDA R. WILBUR, 49, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes. More »
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession
January 21, 2010
RASHAD PARIS KIMBROUGH, 29, of Seattle, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to six years in prison and three years of supervised release for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. KIMBROUGH pleaded guilty in connection with an incident January 9, 2007, when a gun went off inside KIMBROUGH’s pocket while he loitered outside ‘Club Chocolate City’ in central Seattle. More »
Three Members of Violent Street Gang Sent to Federal Prison For Drug Crimes
January 15, 2010
Three Seattle men, all members of a violent street gang, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for crimes that were prosecuted federally in an effort to crack down on gang violence. More »
Cigarette Broker Pleads Guilty For Trafficking in Untaxed Cigarettes
January 15, 2010
RICK CONN, a cigarette broker based in California, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to Conspiracy to Traffic in Contraband Cigarettes, and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. More »
Jefferson County Man Sentenced to 13+ Years in Prison For $2.8 Million Arson
Janaury 15, 2010
KEVIN LEE GRAESSER, 32, of Port Hadlock, Washington, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 162 months in prison, five years of supervised release and $2.8 million in restitution for an arson of the Admiralty One Condominiums in Port Ludlow, Washington. More »
Leader of Drug Trafficking and Bank Fraud Ring Sentenced to 8+ Years in Prison
January 11, 2010
MARIO EARL, 31, of Seattle, Washington, the leader of a crime ring involved in both drug trafficking and bank fraud was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 102 months in prison, five years of supervised release and approximately $30,000 in restitution for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana and Bank Fraud. More »