United States of America v. Steven E. Graham

Spokane, Washington, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with drug trafficking and firearm charges.

In late November 2023, Steven E. Graham, age 40, of Wenatchee, Washington, was serving a term of community custody supervision from a prior state drug conviction. Members of the Columbia River Drug Task Force were investigating Graham not only for drug trafficking, but because Graham had an open warrant from the Washington State Department of Corrections due to one or more violations of his community custody supervision.

Investigators learned that Graham was staying in a room at the Red Lion motel in Wenatchee, Washington. After conducting surveillance and observing evidence of drug trafficking, investigators obtained a search warrant for Graham’s room and a vehicle Graham was using. The warrant was executed on November 29, 2023, after investigators observed Graham and others moving luggage from the motel room to the vehicle. Defendant was arrested and investigators seized over 7,000 fentanyl-laced pills, over 170 grams of methamphetamine, four firearms, and approximately $19,000 in cash from Graham’s luggage and person.

Graham was prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms due to previous felony convictions. Graham qualified as “career offender” under federal sentencing provisions.

First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “Steven Graham posed a significant danger to the Wenatchee Valley and we appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Graham, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.”

“Graham’s lengthy sentence exemplifies the impact of strong law enforcement partnerships in safeguarding our communities from repeat offenders who threaten public safety by trafficking dangerous drugs and deadly weapons,” said HSI Seattle Acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “HSI Seattle commends the exceptional collaboration demonstrated by our partners in the Columbia River Drug Task Force. Through our united efforts, we have ensured that a significant threat has been removed and public safety restored for the people we serve.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Columbia River Drug Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich.

The Defendant was found guilty and was sentenced to 17 years of prison on drug trafficking and firearm charges. Judge Pennell also ordered that, following his sentence, Graham be on supervised release for 10 years. Graham was found guilty on July 30, 2025, following a jury trial.