Man who Held ATF Undercover Agent and Confidential Informant at Gunpoint Pleads Guilty

          One of two men who attempted to rob a federal agent working on an illegal firearms investigation, pleaded guilty today to three federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Annette L. Hayes. ABDIRASHID HARET, 20, of Des Moines, Washington, pleaded guilty today to assault on a federal officer and person assisting a federal officer, using a firearm in a crime of violence and robbery of funds belonging to the United States.  When sentenced by U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on March 25, 2019, prosecutors will recommend up to 15 years in prison.  The ultimate sentence will be determined by Judge Robart and the statutory maximum is life in prison.

            According to the facts in the plea agreement, HARET and co-defendant OMAR ABDULLAH, 23, of Seattle, Washington, had made arrangements to sell two firearms to a man who, unknown to them, was a confidential informant (CI) working with ATF.  The CI and an undercover ATF agent met with HARET and ABDULLAH in a vehicle in the parking lot of the Kent Lowe’s store.  After the agent and CI got in the car, HARET and ABDULLAH used the two loaded the firearms they brought to the meeting to rob the undercover agent and the CI.  The undercover agent told HARET and ABDULLAH he would get additional money out of his car.  HARET followed the agent out of the car, still armed with a firearm.  The undercover agent was able to pull his own gun and fired at ABDULLAH who still held the CI at gunpoint in the car.  HARET dropped his gun and attempted to flee.  He was struck and injured running across Pacific Highway.  Both ABDULLAH and HARET were taken to medical facilities.  ABDULLAH continues to get specialized treatment for his gunshot wounds.

            Assault on a federal officer and person assisting a federal officer is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.  Using a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum seven years in prison and up to life in prison.  Robbery of money of the United States is punishable by up to twenty years in prison.

            The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

            The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.