WASHINGTON – A marijuana grower and dealer who fired a dozen times at fleeing robbers was sentenced last week to two years and eight months in prison but not before he was chided by the judge, federal officials announced.
“This was a shootout… The sentences for the robbers are much longer, but you bear some responsibility for the decision to sell drugs and have guns.” U.S. District Court Judge James L. Robart told defendant Jason Loken during the sentencing.
The judge noted that even after the robbery, the 38-year-old Loken, of Maple Valley, continued to grow marijuana and purchased an additional handgun.
Adding, “This is not someone who has gained wisdom from the experience.”
Loken plead guilty to drug and firearms charges.
U.S. Attorney Jenny Durkan said Loken endangered people who live in the neighborhood.
“This defendant brought gunfire and danger to a quiet neighborhood. He is not alone. We are seeing an alarming increase in violence related to the marijuana trade,” said Durkan. “Guns and drugs are a dangerous and illegal mix. Those that bring that danger to our neighborhoods will face a dear price”.
In April, Charles Slaughter, 31, who robbed Loken, was sentenced for 14 years in prison.
Slaughter was on federal supervision for bank fraud in 2013 when he robbed Loken.
Loken, who was tied up with zip ties, got free and began firing a gun, hitting two of Slaughter’s accomplices, federal officials said.
Durkan had said: “This is the fourth case we have charged in less than a year that involved gunfire used in connection with a marijuana business. Guns and drugs do not mix. Those who put lives and community safety at risk will be held accountable.”
Slaughter and three accomplices drove to the drug dealer’s house. One of the people with Slaughter waited in the car believing that the other three were simply buying drugs, federal officials said. Slaughter and another man robbed Loken of marijuana and numerous firearms at gunpoint, tying his hands with zip ties, officials said.
As Slaughter and two others left the house, the drug dealer was able to free himself, grab a firearm he had hidden under the mattress of his bed, and started shooting, officials said.
The woman who waited in the car was hit, as was Slaughter’s co-defendant Ferdinand Clay. Clay was shot in the face, neck and hip but recovered from his wounds, according to authorities.
Clay pleaded guilty to robbery and brandishing a firearm and is facing seven years in prison when he is sentenced this month.
Officials said that after shots were fired, the robbery team sped away tossing bloodied items from the car, including some of the stolen firearms, which were recovered by police along the highway.
Loken plead guilty to drug and firearms charges.