Charles Michael McClain, 40, of Spokane, Washington, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being found guilty of firearm and drug trafficking charges. The sentencing followed a jury trial on May 6, 2025, presided over by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice.
According to information presented in court, the Quad Cities Drug Task Force identified McClain in early 2024 as a supplier of illegal drugs—including fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine—to dealers in Clarkston, Washington. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at McClain’s Riverton Avenue apartment in Spokane on May 6, 2024. Agents found drug paraphernalia, baggies containing methamphetamine and fentanyl powder, and 359 fentanyl pills. A firearm was located under McClain’s pillow along with about $18,000 in cash.
During the search, McClain told agents he had purchased around 10,000 fentanyl pills and 10 ounces of fentanyl powder monthly for about a year. On the day of the search warrant execution, he had planned to use some of the seized cash to make another purchase.
McClain has a previous conviction for Delivery of a Controlled Substance in Washington state court and was sentenced to 84 months in state custody for that offense.
U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano stated: “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.”
Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City Federal Bureau of Investigation commented: “Drug trafficking and the illegal possession of firearms are a deadly combination that puts out communities at extreme risk. When agencies work together, we can successfully put drug traffickers out of business and in prison.”
The investigation involved the FBI and Quad Cities Drug Task Force—a multi-jurisdictional team including law enforcement from Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez prosecuted the case.
