Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug Robbery and Fentanyl Possession

Brady Baughman, 34, of Spokane, sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for robbing drug traffickers.Photo byEddie WingertsahnonUnsplash

Brady Baughman, 34, of Spokane, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in a robbery and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced today.

According to court documents and details presented at the sentencing, on February 6, 2022, Baughman went to a stash house in Spokane to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl from a drug trafficking organization.

He presented $12,000 in counterfeit U.S. currency, which the sellers immediately recognized as fake.

After the sale was declined, Baughman robbed the drug couriers carrying controlled substances in a kitty litter bucket and a backpack before fleeing in his vehicle with the stolen drugs.

The drug traffickers pursued Baughman, firing shots at his vehicle during a high-speed chase. Baughman eventually abandoned the vehicle, leaving the drugs behind.

Spokane Police recovered 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 50,441 fentanyl-laced pills, according to the department.

“The scope of Mr. Baughman’s criminal conduct is shocking. From the robbery of a large amount of deadly drugs, to a high-speed getaway with shots fired, and including a reckless attempt to avoid law enforcement that ended with serious injury,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref.

Baughman was later involved in a high-speed motorcycle chase on August 12, 2022, during which he crashed and sustained serious injuries.

He fled the hospital after learning of his indictment but was arrested in March 2023. At the time of his arrest, officers found over 1,600 fentanyl pills, the department says.

“This case is a snapshot of the threats to the community posed by drug traffickers,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “He engaged in reckless and violent behavior, all while trying to poison our community with fentanyl and methamphetamine for his personal gain."