Former WA prosecutor indicted in King County Jail drug smuggling ring
Former WA prosecutor indicted for smuggling meth into jail
A man once sworn to ensure justice is served is now facing justice himself, accused of smuggling drugs into King County Jail.
SEATTLE - A former Washington prosecuting attorney has been federally indicted for allegedly smuggling drugs into King County Jail for his clients.
John Sheeran, 60, was arraigned in federal court Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possessing and distributing opioids and illegally using a communication facility.
King County's Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention stated, "The Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention goes to great lengths to protect jail residents and staff from narcotics being smuggled into our facilities. Our employees helped to identify potential criminal misconduct involving Mr. Sheeran and have assisted law enforcement partners on the investigation. We are grateful for the work on this case by the King County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Our department will continue doing everything we can to stop narcotics and other contraband from entering our correctional facilities, which among other measures includes screening during the jail intake process, regular searches of housing units, the use of drug-detection dogs, and the elimination of most physical mail in favor of scanned copies."
According to the indictment, Sheeran used his status as an attorney to smuggle meth, ketamine, buprenorphine and THC into the King County Jail during visits with clients.
Court documents say Sheeran's accomplices would soak sheets of paper in the drugs, replace cans of chewing tobacco with drugs, or provide trial clothes with drugs concealed in the soles of the shoes.
Once the drugs were smuggled in, Sheeran's clients would sell the drugs to other inmates for large amounts of cash.
In March 2023, a corrections officer found 52.6 grams of meth hidden in a pair of shoes that Sheeran was carrying, and seized it.
Sheeran was senior partner at Puget Law Group. Casey Arbenz, the firm's managing partner, said Sheeran resigned and is no longer affiliated with the law group. The managing partner said no other employee was involved in the allegations and the firm was not aware of the investigation until it was made public.
Arbenz wrote in a statement, "Puget Law Group remains steadfast in its commitment to providing exceptional legal services to our clients while upholding the highest ethical standards. We believe that trust and integrity are essential to our profession, and we are dedicated to maintaining a culture of ethical conduct within our firm."
Sheeran is currently an elected commissioner for West Pierce Fire & Rescue's Board of Fire Commissioners. Their statement said, "The Board of Fire Commissioners was notified yesterday of Commissioner Sheeran's arrest. They will determine what, if any, actions need to be taken when they have more information."
The U.S. District Court of Western Washington said Sheeran's case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Oregon. Officials explained this often happens when a defendant has practiced law in court in the state of the alleged criminal conduct.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Oregon said Sheeran's jury trial is scheduled to begin on December 20.
If convicted, Sheeran faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
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