Federal case from Clallam County operation expected to extend into 2027
The federal prosecution stemming from a two-day operation in Clallam County in March, which concluded at 7 Cedars Casino, is now anticipated to continue beyond the current calendar year.
On July 28, the defendant waived his right to a speedy trial in writing. He also agreed to move the trial date from August 17, 2026, to a time no later than February 28, 2027.
His public defender filed an unopposed motion the same day requesting a continuance for the trial and an extension of the deadline for pretrial motions. The filing was made in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Tacoma.
The proposed order accompanying the motion requests that Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright set the trial date for February 1, 2027.
The proposed order asks the court to find that denying a continuance would deprive counsel of reasonable preparation time. It also seeks a determination that any resulting delay constitutes excludable time under the Speedy Trial Act. Finally, it requests a finding that the interests of justice outweigh the public's and the defendant's interest in a faster trial. These are the specific findings required by the Speedy Trial Act before a court can exclude time, and the proposed order cites the statute in support of each one.
The waiver document states that the defendant was advised of his rights by his attorney and acted knowingly, voluntarily, and with the advice of counsel.