Western Washington Attorney Charged with Drug Smuggling

A 60-year-old attorney from Western Washington faces serious charges, including conspiring to distribute controlled substances, possessing and distributing methamphetamine, and illegally using a communication facility. John Sheeran is accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into the King County jail during visits with his clients.

THE ATTORNEY IS ACCUSED OF SUPPLYING TWO INMATES

According to the Department of Justice, Sheeran allegedly exploited his position as an attorney to distribute various drugs—including methamphetamine, ketamine, buprenorphine, and THC—to two of his then-clients, who were inmates at the King County jail. The drugs were reportedly disguised in several ways, including being soaked into sheets of paper, concealed in chewing tobacco cans, and hidden within the soles of trial shoes.

THE DRUGS WERE INTRODUCED IN A VARIETY OF WAYS

"During the conspiracy, Sheeran distributed, or possessed with intent to distribute, sheets of paper that had been soaked in drugs, chewing tobacco cans that swapped out the tobacco with drugs, and trial clothes that had drugs concealed in the soles of the shoes," the DOJ detailed in a press release.

THE DRUGS WERE SOLD INSIDE THE JAIL

After successfully smuggling the drugs into the jail, Sheeran's co-conspirators allegedly sold the substances to other inmates for what the DOJ described as "significant sums."On October 16, a federal grand jury in Seattle returned an indictment against Sheeran and four co-conspirators. Sheeran was arrested on October 21 without incident in Washington Place.

THE ATTORNEY HAS BEEN RELEASED FROM JAIL

Following his arrest, Sheeran made his first federal court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate judge in Seattle on Monday, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has been ordered released pending a jury trial scheduled to commence on December 20, 2024. The case has raised eyebrows within the legal community, as attorneys are expected to uphold the law rather than engage in illegal activities. The investigation continues as authorities work to dismantle the broader network reportedly involved in this operation.