Spokane Valley Man Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison for Firearms and Fentanyl Distribution

SPOKANE, Wash. – Alexander Kosnicki, 46, of Spokane Valley, Washington, has been sentenced to 70 months in federal prison following his conviction on charges of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. The sentencing, handed down by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice, will be followed by six years of supervised release. Kosnicki was found guilty on February 13, 2024, after a jury trial.

The charges stem from an incident on the night of November 22, 2022, when Kosnicki was found sleeping in the lobby of an apartment building in downtown Spokane. Concerned residents alerted security, who conducted a search of Kosnicki and discovered a small amount of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a handgun in his jacket pocket. Security immediately contacted Spokane Police.

At the time of the incident, Kosnicki had a prior federal conviction for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Felon in Possession of a Firearm from the Western District of Washington, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

During the subsequent search by Spokane Police officers, additional evidence was found, including $1,147 in cash hidden in Kosnicki’s right sock and two large bags of fentanyl pills concealed in his left sock.

“Fentanyl and firearms are a lethal combination, and I am gratified that the DEA and our partners could hold Mr. Kosnicki accountable for his behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our community is safer because of this sentence.”

U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref for the Eastern District of Washington emphasized the seriousness of Kosnicki's actions, stating, “Mr. Kosnicki illegally possessed a firearm and was distributing deadly fentanyl in our communities. His actions contributed to the growing epidemic of drug use in our society. Our office has been prosecuting fentanyl cases vigorously as part of our ongoing efforts to build safer and stronger communities. Fentanyl is particularly lethal, and we are proactively working to prevent the tragedy it causes to Eastern Washington families on a daily basis.”

This case was thoroughly investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Spokane Police Department, and it was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca Perez.

White round tablets on a white backgroundPhoto byAnna Shvets