Richard R. Barker has concluded his service as the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, stepping down on July 7, 2025. Barker will return to private practice in Spokane after a notable career in public service.
Barker’s career spans over a decade as a prosecutor, having served as an Assistant United States Attorney since 2014. He has held various positions including First Assistant United States Attorney, Tribal Liaison, and Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Coordinator. From 2014 to 2019, he was based in the nation’s capital as a homicide prosecutor before joining the Eastern District of Washington.
During his tenure, Barker focused on serving victims of violent crime and handled numerous high-profile cases. Last year, he was lead counsel with AUSA Michael J. Ellis in the trial against Zachery Holt and Dezmonique Tenzsley for a double murder on the Colville Indian Reservation. In 2023, he prosecuted Ronald Craig Ilg for attempting to hire hitmen via the dark web.
Barker also tackled significant drug trafficking cases. In 2023, alongside AUSA Stephanie Van Marter, he prosecuted the “Fetty Bros” Drug Trafficking Organization responsible for distributing fentanyl pills into Eastern Washington.
As First Assistant United States Attorney, Barker supervised several litigating units and helped establish an Appellate Division within the office. He worked closely with Native American communities to address issues such as missing or murdered indigenous people and received a Department of Justice Director’s Award in recognition of his efforts.
Reflecting on his career, Barker stated: “Serving as a federal prosecutor has been the highlight of my career… Spokane has truly become home for me and my family.” Former U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref praised him as “an exceptional leader” dedicated to justice.
Barker will continue teaching at Gonzaga University School of Law while Stephanie Van Marter assumes his former role as Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. Barker expressed confidence in her leadership: “Steph has dedicated her career to the Department of Justice.”
A formal announcement regarding Van Marter’s new role is expected soon from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
