Pasco man sentenced to federal prison

PASCO — A local man has been sentenced to 15 years in a federal prison for drug trafficking.

Tustuji Matu Wakauwn, 42, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm by U.S. District Judge Thomas O. Rice. Wakauwn was also sentenced to an additional 10 years of probation following his release.

Records show Wakauwn was arrested Oct. 7, 2021, and pleaded guilty to the charges June 8, 2022. He’s been in custody since his arrest.

He was arrested as the DEA was executing a search warrant a house in 10th Avenue in Spokane, records show.

During the search, agents discovered a 9mm handgun and 420 grams of pure methamphetamine, as well as fentanyl, cocaine and other evidence suggesting drug trafficking, records show.

Wakauwn was previously convicted in a federal court of drug trafficking, records show, noting he is prohibited from carrying a firearm.

U.S.Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref commended the DEA for its swift action in disarming Wakauwn and interdicting the methamphetamine along with the other substances.

“The sentence imposed in this case, which is a 15-year mandatory minimum penalty, sends a strong message about the importance of enforcing serious violations of law committed by persons while on supervision” Waldref said.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Ohms prosecuted the case.