Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Spokane, Wash. — U.S. Senior District Judge Rosanna Malouf Peterson sentenced Johnathan Leslie Allen, also known as “Ghost,” to a total of 180 months in federal prison on one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, one count of Distribution of Methamphetamine and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition. Allen was convicted of those crimes on Nov. 17, 2023, following a multi-day jury trial. Senior Judge Peterson also sentenced Allen to 5 years of federal supervision after he is released from prison.

According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, in October 2022, Allen sent several text and Facebook messages to two co-conspirators to obtain several ounces of methamphetamine for Allen to sell.

Allen and one of his co-conspirators obtained the drugs and then went to a Walmart in Spokane Valley, where the co-conspirator sold the drugs to an Undercover Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

The very next day, Allen brought a Ruger 9mm firearm to the Spokane Transit Authority bus plaza in downtown Spokane. Allen gave it to the same co-conspirator to sell to the Undercover Agent, which the co-conspirator did.

Allen and his co-conspirators were indicted in January 2023, and a warrant was issued for Allen’s arrest. Allen was arrested on Feb. 7, 2023, on the gaming floor of the Northern Quest Casino. At the time Allen was placed in custody, he was carrying a loaded, chambered 9mm firearm in the pocket of his sweatshirt.  His co-conspirators have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

Allen proceeded to trial. After four days of trial testimony, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all counts. At Allen’s sentencing hearing, the U.S. Attorney's Office introduced evidence from Allen’s own Facebook account that showed Allen had been involved in distributing illegal narcotics and illegally possessing guns in the Spokane area separate from his charged conduct in this case.

“I am grateful for the dedication of the investigators, agents, and prosecutors, who brought Mr. Allen to justice. As a result of such dedication, a dangerous offender, two illegal firearms, and illegal narcotics have been removed from the Spokane community,” stated Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. “Today’s sentence further reflects the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s commitment to vigorously prosecuting those who distribute illegal drugs and firearms in Eastern Washington.”

“Drugs and guns are a losing combination,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Mr. Allen’s willingness to sell drugs and illegally possess firearms earned him this well-deserved sentence. ATF will vigorously investigate those who are conducting dangerous actions such as these in our communities.”

This case was investigated by ATF. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David Herzog.

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