Kenneth H. Crause, 55, has been sentenced to 204 months in federal prison for possession with intent to deliver over 400 grams of fentanyl. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke also ordered that Crause be placed on a life term of supervised release following his prison sentence.
Court documents reveal that the Spokane Police Department Special Investigations Unit had been investigating Crause for drug trafficking while he was already under federal supervision due to a previous conviction. Officers obtained and executed search warrants on October 8, 2024, at Crause’s residence and vehicle. During the search, authorities found more than 1,298 grams of powder fentanyl, about 124 grams of methamphetamine, and approximately 28 grams of cocaine. The search also uncovered digital drug scales, pay/owe ledgers, other paraphernalia related to drug trafficking, as well as protective gear such as respirators and gloves—indicating awareness of the risks associated with handling fentanyl. Law enforcement seized roughly $53,902 in cash from various locations tied to Crause.
“Fentanyl remains one of the greatest threats to our community,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney S. Pete Serrano. “Mr. Crause was already on federal supervision for his prior involvement in drug trafficking. Even while being supervised by the Court, Crause chose to engage in fentanyl trafficking, directly placing this community and others at risk. He clearly knew those risks evidenced by the protective gear he utilized while not caring for the impact on others. Through the hard work of our state and federal partners, this repeat offender will no longer be able to hurt our community.”
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division said: “Mr. Crause clearly knew the dangers of fentanyl, but he ignored this risk out of greed… As an unreformed trafficker, he richly deserves this lengthy prison term, which may be the only way to stop him from poisoning our community.”
Detective Brian Eckersley commented on his pride in the detectives involved: “The combined efforts of our federal partners contributed to a successful prosecution… After seeing the dangerous living conditions one child had to live in, we knew Crause had to be stopped… However, Crause left the residue and trash from his drug operation out where it was easily accessible to the child who risked serious illness or death from exposure to the fentanyl.”
The investigation was conducted by both Spokane Police Department and United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case was prosecuted by Earl A. Hicks from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Washington.
