Repeat Offender Sentenced for Continuing to Traffic Fentanyl at Northern Quest Casino in Spokane
Previously Convicted of Felony Drug Charges in Washington State
Spokane Washington –United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Charles Dickerson Jr., 43, of Spokane Washington, to 144 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Dickerson will also be on federal supervised release for five years after serving his custodial sentence.
According to court records, Dickerson was contacted by the Kalispel Tribal Police on November 20, 2023, after reports of suspected drug activity occurring in a parking lot at Northern Quest Casino. This contact led to the execution of a search warrant on the Defendant’s vehicle which resulted in the seizure of over 20,000 deadly fentanyl laced pills, approximately one pound of methamphetamine, distribution quantities of cocaine, a simulated firearm bearing Glock markings, and evidence of distribution activity. Agents also located and seized large sums of US currency. Based upon the investigation, Dickerson was actively engaged in the large-scale distribution of fentanyl even after having been convicted of a prior state drug manufacture/delivery felony offense in the past.
On March 9, 2026, Judge Mary K. Dimke imposed a sentence of 144 months to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Judge Dimke based her sentence on Dickerson’s lengthy criminal history and noted the opportunities he had to reform and attain services for substance abuse, which he did not take advantage of, and instead engaged in drug distribution activities on a larger scale.
“Today’s sentencing removes a fentanyl dealer from our communities, which once again reinforces DEA’s laser-focus on achieving a Fentanyl Free America,” said Robert A. Saccone, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Fentanyl in the smallest amounts is fatal, and fentanyl traffickers endanger lives and devastate families. Our communities are safer today because of the dedicated efforts of the criminal investigators and prosecutors involved in this investigation.”
First Assistant Serrano stated, “Repeat Offenders who are distributing this poison into our communities must be stopped and held accountable. I am grateful for our partnership with the Kalispel Tribe and their quick efforts in investigating this Defendant. The hard work and response from our office and our BIA and DEA partners, has removed a dangerous offender from our community.”
“The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement remains committed to protecting tribal communities from fentanyl and other illegal drugs,” said Deputy Associate Director Tom Atkinson. “This case shows the strength of our partnerships with the Kalispel Tribal Police and federal partners, whose coordinated work stopped a repeat offender from trafficking dangerous drugs in Indian Country. Today’s sentence sends a clear message: those who bring drugs into our communities will be found, stopped and held accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Kalispel Tribal Police, the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
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