Two Pierce County residents were sentenced on Friday in Tacoma’s U.S. District Court for their involvement in a wide-reaching drug-trafficking operation linked to a white supremacist prison gang. Eric Smith, 54, of Tacoma, was handed a 12-year prison sentence, while Sara Thompson, 39, of Bonney Lake, received seven years behind bars.
Both individuals pleaded guilty in 2024 for their roles in smuggling dangerous drugs into Washington. Smith, a key member of the ring, was a redistributor for Jesse Bailey, the ring leader. Smith was involved in washing over 50 kilograms of methamphetamine to prepare it for distribution. In addition, he was convicted for possession of a firearm in furtherance of the crime. Thompson, in a romantic relationship with the leader of another drug cell, Yehoshua Kilp, acted as a proxy for larger narcotics deals. She continued distributing drugs even after Kilp’s arrest.
Law enforcement recently raided an Airbnb linked to Thompson and Kilp, seizing nearly 45 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with more than 5 kilograms of fentanyl in both powder and pill forms. The operation saw the distribution of over a million doses of potentially lethal fentanyl in Washington. The extensive bust in March 2023 also led to the seizure of 177 firearms, over $330,000 in cash, and significant quantities of drugs.
David F. Reames of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) condemned the actions of Smith and Thompson, emphasizing the severe impact of their criminal activities. The DEA remains committed to dismantling such operations to protect communities from the devastating effects of drugs and violence.
The investigation has resulted in multiple arrests and seizures of illegal substances, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. The sentencing of the Bailey couple, also linked to this operation, is expected in the coming months.
