SPOKANE – Zachary Wade Bennett, a 41-year-old resident of Spokane Valley, has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, announced United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice. Upon his release, Bennett will also face three years of federal supervision.
The case unfolded when Spokane County Sheriff’s detectives received information in September 2020, suggesting that Bennett, a convicted felon, was engaged in drug-related activities and had a significant arsenal of weapons. The ensuing execution of a search warrant at Bennett’s residence led to a shocking discovery. Deputies found Bennett concealed in the attic, and he admitted that he had evaded law enforcement the previous night because he knew he would be arrested. He also claimed there were no firearms on the premises.
However, during the search of Bennett’s home, law enforcement officers uncovered a cache of weapons, including ten guns, three of which were AR-15 rifles. The discovery was accompanied by boxes of ammunition, drug paraphernalia, ledgers detailing Bennett’s drug distribution operations, and illicit substances, including heroin and hallucinogenic mushrooms.
It is important to note that Bennett had prior convictions for burglary in the first degree and robbery in the second degree in Spokane County Superior Court. His illegal possession of firearms raised significant concerns about public safety.
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, Vanessa R. Waldref, commended the efforts of law enforcement agencies in preventing violent crimes by apprehending repeat offenders like Bennett who unlawfully stockpile firearms and ammunition. She stated, “Our community is safer and stronger today because of the excellent work of the prosecutors and investigators in this case.”
Jonathan T. McPherson, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, highlighted the inherent danger of a convicted felon dealing drugs and possessing stolen firearms. He noted, “This sentence demonstrates that these types of actions will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The successful investigation and prosecution of this case were a result of collaborative efforts by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Cashman played a crucial role in prosecuting the case.
The sentencing of Zachary Wade Bennett serves as a strong message against illegal firearm possession by convicted felons and highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to maintain community safety.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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