United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SPOKANE, Wash.– United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Kenneth H. Crause, age 55, to 204 months in federal prison after Crause pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Deliver 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Judge Dimke also ordered that, following his sentence, Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release.

According to Court documents, the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had an active drug trafficking investigation into Crause who was already on federal supervision for a prior drug trafficking conviction. Based on that investigation officers obtained search warrants for his residence and vehicle. Those warrants were executed on October 8, 2024 at which time, officers located multiple controlled substances to include over 1,298 grams of deadly powder fentanyl, approximately 124 grams of methamphetamine and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. Also found during the search, were multiple digital drug scales, pay/owe drug ledgers, and other drug paraphernalia associated with drug trafficking as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves indicative of the deadly nature of the powder being prepared and distributed by Crause. In addition, approximately $53,902 in United States currency was seized from the residence, vehicle and Crause’s person.

“Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.

“Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community.” Stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. “Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community.”

Detective Brian Eckersley said that he is very proud of the hard-working Detectives in the Spokane Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit. They work many long nights putting these cases together. The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution. This prosecution was even more rewarding for us, because we stopped, Crause from trafficking fentanyl. After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped. He clearly used personal protection equipment when handling the fentanyl. However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child, who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.

The case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. 

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