Sequim, Washington, man sentenced to 70 months in prison for dealing methamphetamine while armed with semi-automatic pistol

Tacoma– A 57-year-old Sequim, Washington, man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to 70 months in prison.  Kenneth Francis Simmons came to the attention of law enforcement in early 2019, as a prolific methamphetamine dealer in the Sequim area, as well as on the Lower Elwha and Jamestown S’Klallam Indian Reservations. U.S. District Judge Benjamin H. Settle noted that the sentence was aimed at protecting the community since methamphetamine is a poison that ruins lives.

“Methamphetamine not only destroys the lives of those who use it, but it also destroys the lives of the families and friends who witness the toll this drug takes on their loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Nick Brown.  “As a long-time dealer, this defendant touched the lives of long-time addicts, first-time users, and everyone in between. For community safety this sentence is an important first step.”

According to records filed in the case, the FBI and the Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET) began investigating Simmons in 2019.  On four occasions in July 2019, a person working with law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from Simmons.  On August 16, 2019, a Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped Simmons for speeding.  Ultimately, Simmons’ car was impounded, and a court authorized search revealed that he had methamphetamine packaged for resale, as well as a firearm.  Due to his prior felony convictions Simmons is prohibited from possessing firearms.

On September 1, 2021, Simmons pleaded guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Distribution of Methamphetamine.

The case was investigated by the FBI and Olympic Peninsula Narcotics Enforcement Team (OPNET).

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney J. Tate London.  Mr. London serves as Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.