A Washington man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sex and drug trafficking. 55-year old James Anthony Stinson of Spokane was convicted of 11 felonies for trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms.
Criminal Investigation of Stinson Began in 2021
Following a series of purchases of crack cocaine mader in Stinson’s hotel room, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant. Based on that, the FBI and Spokane Police Department also executed search warrants on all of Stinson’s hotel rooms.
Investigators Located Drugs, Illegal Firearms, and Evidence of Sex-Trafficking
According to United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Washington, large quantities of meth, crack cocaine, and fentanyl pills were found along with several illegally-possessed firearms. Detectives also located evidence of sex trafficking.
Further investigation into Mr. Stinson’s phones and other digital evidence revealed videos of Mr. Stinson threatening and violently beating a commercial sex worker. Messages on Mr. Stinson’s phones revealed his ongoing use of force, fraud, and coercion, described as an atmosphere of fear to force multiple victims to engage in sex work, as well as significant financial gains from his human trafficking and drug trafficking operations.
Stinson Has a Criminal Past Spanning Several Years for Multiple Crimes
Stinson was previously convicted of drug trafficking in 2011. He was also convicted in 2012 for Addict and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition.
United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated:…