Spokane, Washington – A Spokane man was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sex and drug trafficking crimes.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, James Anthony Stinson, 55, received the sentence on March 18 following convictions on 11 felony counts, including sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of firearms. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release and must pay $28,000 in restitution to victims.
Federal prosecutors said the investigation began in 2021 after controlled drug purchases linked Stinson to cocaine distribution. Authorities later executed a search warrant at a Spokane hotel room, where they found methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl pills, and multiple illegally possessed firearms.
Investigators said the hotel rooms were also used for sex trafficking. Evidence presented at trial included surveillance footage and phone data showing threats, violence, and coercion used to force victims into commercial sex acts. Authorities said Stinson kept the proceeds.
Officials noted Stinson had prior convictions, including drug and firearm offenses, and was on federal supervised release at the time of his 2021 arrest.
The case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from local law enforcement agencies.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts to address trafficking and drug distribution in Eastern Washington, particularly cases involving repeat offenders and vulnerable victims.
This case may be relevant to young workers and students due to ongoing public safety concerns tied to trafficking networks.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input.
All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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