Date: 08-15-2024

Case Style:

United States of America v. Bryan Wokal

Case Number: 2:24-cr-00032

Judge: Stanley A. Bastian

Court: The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington (Spokane County)

Plaintiff's Attorney: The United States Attorney’s Office in Spokane

Defendant's Attorney:

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Description:

Spokane, Washington criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with
Spokane Man Sentenced for Armed Robbery of Kalispel Market

On January 2, 2024, Bryon Wokal walked into the Kalispel Market on the Kalispel Indian Reservation in Airway Heights. Wokal approached the cashier, pulled out a gun, pointed it at the cashier, and demanded $400. When the cashier did not immediately respond, Wokal cocked the gun and repeated his demand. The cashier removed the money from the cash register and gave it to Wokal. Wokal then left the market. The next day, Wokal was arrested by the Spokane Police Department.

“Mr. Wokal’s armed robbery put employees and shoppers in grave danger and left the cashier with lasting trauma,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “I am grateful for the quick work of the FBI, Kalispel Tribal Police, Spokane Police Department and Spokane Sheriff’s Office to identify Mr. Wokal and ensure he would be held accountable for the danger and harm he caused to the Kalispel Tribal Community.”

“The Kalispel Tribal Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community,” said Kalispel Tribal Police Chief Rodney Schurger. “By working closely with the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, we are combining resources and expertise to bring criminals to justice more swiftly and effectively.”

“The safety and security of our guests, Tribal Members, and Team Members continues to be our number one priority,” says Kalispel Tribal Council Vice Chair Curt Holmes. “We recognize that violent crime continues to escalate across the nation, as well as right here in our own communities. We are grateful for the quick efforts of our Kalispel Tribal Police Department, as well as the assistance of the FBI, Spokane Police Department and the Spokane Sheriff’s Office in making this arrest. We also appreciate the diligent work of the US Attorney’s Office in prosecuting offenders like Mr. Wokal to the fullest extent of the law.”

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Kalispel Tribal Police, Spokane Police Department, and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Ellis and Nowles Heinrich.

Outcome:

Defendant was found guilty and sentenced to 72 months in federal prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Plaintiff's Experts:

Defendant's Experts:

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