Yakima Man Subject to a Domestic Violence No Contact Order Sentenced to Prison for Possessing More Than a Dozen Firearms

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Benjamin D. Cliett, age 44, of Yakima, Washington, to 2 years in federal prison on one count of Person Subject to a Court Order in Possession of Firearms. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on July 23, 2022, officers with the Yakima Police Department (YPD) were dispatched to Cliett’s residence in Yakima. Dispatch told the YPD that neighbors had called to report screaming and other loud noises coming from the residence.

Aware that Cliett was subject to a domestic violence no-contact order, and fearing that a domestic violence incident was occurring inside, YPD entered the residence. Cliett’s partner was in the house, and YPD conducted a protective sweep of the residence.  Inside, offices located Cliett hiding in a doghouse in the backyard. Cliett was arrested for violating the no-contact order.

While conducting the sweep, YPD observed a tall gun safe in the bedroom. Officers later returned with a search warrant and found ammunition and magazines spread throughout the home and eighteen firearms in the gun safe.

“Victims of domestic violence often feel trapped in abusive relationships, where they face higher risks of being shot or killed by their abuser than the general public,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “This is why it is so important to enforce laws that keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers—it really can save lives.”

“Mr. Cliett made many wrong choices that day,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “He knew that he had a no-contact order and that prohibited him from having access to firearms.  We hope that this prison sentence will give Mr. Cliett time to think about his actions and turn his life around.”

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Yakima Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis.

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