Spokane Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Federal Prison for Prolific Drug Trafficking

Spokane – Vanessa R. Waldref, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced today that Corey A. Darilek, age 41, of Spokane, Washington, was sentenced today in federal court in Spokane, Washington. Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Darilek to 180 months in federal prison, followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. In July 2022, Darilek pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A)(viii).

According to court documents, the Spokane Police Department was investigating Darilek’s drug-trafficking activities in the Spokane area, after he was identified as a significant drug distributor. The investigation led to a search warrant of Darilek’s Spokane-area home as well as several of his vehicles. The Spokane Police Department located over one pound of methamphetamine as well as heroin, multiple firearms, and approximately $10,000 in cash. Darilek told law enforcement he had been a drug trafficker for an extended period and was involved in large-quantity deals, including a recent 20-pound methamphetamine transaction with individuals in Montana. Darilek estimated he received multiple pounds of methamphetamine and several ounces of heroin per week from his supplier, which Darilek then distributed to customers in the Spokane area.

After Darilek’s arrest, he was released by the court to attend in-patient drug treatment based on his asserted methamphetamine addiction. Shortly after his release, Darilek terminated himself from the drug treatment program and a warrant issued for his arrest. After his re-arrest, he was again released by the court to drug treatment. Shortly after his second release, Darilek again terminated himself from his drug treatment program and another warrant issued. Darilek was a fugitive for almost one year before he was re-captured. Because of Darilek’s failure to comply with his release conditions and fugitive status, Judge Rice enhanced Darilek’s sentence.

United States Attorney Waldref commended the joint efforts of law enforcement for working to keep the Eastern District safe: “Mr. Darilek imported and distributed large-quantities of methamphetamine into the Spokane area. Then, after the Court afforded him numerous opportunities to enter drug treatment, he absconded twice and became a fugitive.” U.S. Attorney Waldref continued, “This “The sentence imposed on Mr. Darilek should put those on notice who seek to bring harm to our sentence removes Mr. Darilek from the community for fifteen years and reiterates my office’s commitment to ensuring that those who distribute dangerous narcotics in Eastern Washington are held accountable.”

communities by distributing illegal narcotics,” said Jacob D. Galvan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “The DEA, along with its partners, will pursue them and hold them accountable no matter how long it takes.”

“The nexus between drugs and criminal activity, including violence, is well established and has impacted our community in very unhealthy and destructive ways. SPD is committed to collaborating with our regional partners in our relentless pursuit to hold accountable those who deal drugs in our community and prey on people trapped in addiction,” stated Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl.

This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin Baunsgard of the Eastern District of Washington handled this matter on behalf of the United States.