Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Seattle – A King County couple, arrested after law enforcement discovered a drug lab and cache of firearms and explosives inside their RV were indicted today for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and unlawful possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Braiden F. Wilson, 28, is also charged with unlawful possession of destructive devices, and unlawful possession of silencers. Wilson and his partner, 30- year-old Chandler B. Bennett were arrested following a May 12, 2024, shooting in rural King County. They will be arraigned on the grand jury indictment next week.
According to the indictment and the criminal complaint filed in the case, King County Sheriff’s deputies first encountered the couple when Wilson was shot in the arm. The deputies noticed that the RV had surveillance cameras and asked to get access to the recorded video to identify the assailant. Bennett refused to allow law enforcement to enter the RV, so they sought a warrant from a King County Judge.
When law enforcement entered the RV, they found a large cache of weapons as well as fentanyl powder, tablets containing fentanyl, and sundry items associated with the manufacture of tablets, including a manual pill press. Law enforcement located more than two and a half kilograms of fentanyl pills. Law enforcement seized 17 firearms, body armor, silencers, and ballistic shields. They also found gun parts made from 3D printers – making them untraceable. There were multiple destructive devices and literature on the chemistry and manufacturing of explosives, as well as literature on how to convert firearms to fully automatic capability.
Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute in this quantity, is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. Possession of a machinegun is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years and a fine of up to $250,000. Possession of destructive devices and possession of silencers are each punishable by a maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.