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Press Release

Kennewick Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Washington

Spokane – Today, Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jerry Alan Reis, a resident of Kennewick, Washington, was sentenced after having pleaded guilty to Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Senior United States District Court Judge Edward F. Shea sentenced Reis to a 180 month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a 60 month term of court supervision following his release from federal prison.

The indictment alleged that, on December 27 of 2013, Reis knowingly possessed a Sig Sauer .40 caliber handgun during and in relation to the crime of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, which is also a federal crime. According to information disclosed during the court proceedings, the investigation began when members of the Richland Police Department responded to a location in Richland, Washington where they located and arrested Reis. In Reis’ backpack officers located the loaded handgun, an electronic scale with residue, and 17.1 grams of 99.4% pure methamphetamine.

Michael C. Ormsby said, “The vigorous investigation and prosecution of firearms-related crimes is a top priority for law enforcement officers and the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Washington, particularly when, as in this case, a firearm is possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Richland Police Department Task Force Officers and ATF Special Agents are commended for their strong working partnership, which is evidenced by the successful prosecution of this case. As this case reflects, there are stiff penalties associated with the commission of firearm-related crimes.”

The investigation of this matter was conducted by the Richland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Alexander C. Ekstrom, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington and Kristin M. McRoberts, a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

14-CR-6009-EFS-1

Updated February 10, 2015