Evergreen Reporter

A Spokane man, Brady Baughman, 34, has been sentenced to federal prison following his guilty plea to charges of robbery affecting commerce and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke handed down a sentence of 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.

The incident occurred on February 6, 2022, when Baughman attempted to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl from a drug trafficking organization using counterfeit money. When the sellers recognized the fake currency and refused the sale, Baughman robbed couriers carrying drugs into a stash house. He fled with the substances in a kitty litter bucket and backpack.

Afterward, members of the drug trafficking organization pursued Baughman through Spokane, firing shots at his vehicle. He abandoned his car along with the stolen drugs near Nettleton and Rowan streets. The Spokane Police Department (SPD) later recovered approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and over 50,000 fentanyl-laced pills from the scene.

An arrest warrant was issued for Baughman's involvement in the robbery. On August 12, 2022, SPD officers spotted him speeding on a motorcycle but were unable to apprehend him after he evaded capture through traffic violations. He eventually crashed his motorcycle and sustained serious injuries. At that time, officers found a loaded pistol and additional fentanyl pills in his possession.

Baughman fled from medical care upon learning he was indicted but was arrested nearly a year later on March 28, 2023. A search during his arrest revealed more fentanyl pills.

U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref commented on the case: “The scope of Mr. Baughman’s criminal conduct is shocking... Mr. Baughman’s actions repeatedly put our community in danger.” David F. Reames from DEA Seattle Field Division added: “This case is a snapshot of the threats to the community posed by drug traffickers like Mr. Baughman.”

The investigation involved collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration and Spokane Police Department under prosecution by Assistant U.S Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.