Spokane Couple Sentenced For Distributing Methamphetamine

Spokane - Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Mark William Bush, age 38, and Crystal Kaye Peterson, age 31, both of Spokane, Washington, were sentenced after pleading guilty to federal drug charges on June 27, 2013. Mark William Bush pleaded guilty to three counts of delivery of methamphetamine and one count of possession of more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine with intent to deliver. Crystal Kaye Peterson pleaded guilty to two counts of delivery of methamphetamine. Now, Senior United States District Court Judge Justin L. Quackenbush sentenced Mark William Bush to a 168-month term of imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court supervision upon release from Federal prison. Judge Quackenbush sentenced Crystal Kaye Peterson to a 92-month term of imprisonment and a three-year term of court supervision following release from Federal prison.

According to information disclosed at the change of plea and sentencing hearings: members of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation in March of 2013 during which three undercover purchases of methamphetamine were made from Mark William Bush. During two of these purchases, Mark William Bush was accompanied by his wife, Krystal Kaye Peterson. The third undercover purchase was conducted in the residence that Mark William Bush shared with Krystal Kaye Peterson. The undercover investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant for the residence, which was served on April 4, 2013. During the search, detectives located approximately 200 grams of methamphetamine together with scales and drug records. Both Mark William Bush and Crystal Kaye Peterson had a record of convictions for offenses that included possession of controlled substances.

Michael C. Ormsby said, "The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration should be commended for their on-going commitment to investigate aggressively individuals trafficking in methamphetamine. This case involved a significant amount of methamphetamine, an addictive dangerous drug which has devastating effect on individuals, families, and communities. The United States Attorney's Office will similarly continue its on-going commitment to prosecute methamphetamine traffickers and to seek appropriate punishment for their criminal conduct."

This investigation was conducted by the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Timothy J. Ohms, an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.

13-CR-00069-JLQ