Moses Lake man sentenced for role in Spokane shootout

SPOKANE — A Moses Lake man who was involved in a shootout in Spokane in 2012 was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison.

Arthur Frank Cardenas, 37, of Moses Lake, was found guilty by a jury on April 16, 2015 of felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of an explosive device, possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm involving a drug trafficking crime.

US District Court Judge William Fremming Nielsen sentenced Cardenas to 22.5 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of court supervision after his release from prison. The case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms, an assistant U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

Cardenas’ sentence stems from an incident on April 26, 2012, when he exchanged gunfire with another person at a duplex on the lower South Hill in Spokane, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Cardenas was shot in the confrontation and transported to Deaconess Medical Center in Spokane for treatment.

An investigation revealed Cardenas was armed with a Walther model PPK/S .380 caliber handgun during the shootout, with bullets from the gun striking a residence in the area during the confrontation. Law enforcement officials located a hand grenade, explosive powder, 243.9 grams of “pure” methamphetamine and $17,410 in cash in the trunk of Cardenas’ vehicle. In addition, when Cardenas was initially contacted by police he was found to be in possession of $3,000 in cash.

The investigation was handled by the Spokane Police Department with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives (ATF).

During Cardenas’ sentencing hearing Nielsen noted Cardenas has a long criminal history, which resulted in a high offender score.

“Cardenas’ conduct presented a danger to citizens here in Spokane, Washington. The 22 and a half year sentence reflects the seriousness of Cardenas’ criminal conduct. I commend the Spokane Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for the thorough investigation of this matter," said Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. "The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington will aggressively prosecute firearm and drug trafficking violations that occur within this district.”

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.