Spokane Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sex Trafficking, Drug Trafficking, and Firearms Offenses

James Anthony Stinson, 55, received a 30-year federal prison sentence for multiple felony convictions.

Mar. 20, 2026 at 12:42am

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A Spokane man named James Anthony Stinson, 55, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after being convicted of 11 felony counts related to sex trafficking, drug distribution, and illegal firearm possession. Stinson will also serve 10 years of supervised release and pay $28,000 in restitution to his victims.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious problem of sex trafficking and drug crimes in the Spokane area, with the perpetrator using violence, threats, and coercion to exploit vulnerable victims. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the gravity of Stinson's offenses and the efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors to hold him accountable.

The details

The investigation began in 2021 after controlled purchases of crack cocaine led law enforcement to hotel rooms in Spokane Valley connected to Stinson. A search warrant uncovered methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl pills, along with multiple firearms that Stinson was prohibited from possessing. Authorities also found evidence that the rooms were used for sex trafficking, with Stinson using force, fraud, and coercion to compel victims to engage in sex work and turn over the proceeds. Digital evidence, including videos and messages, documented the threats and violence against the victims.

  • Stinson was sentenced on March 18, 2026.
  • The investigation began in 2021 after controlled drug purchases.

The players

James Anthony Stinson

A 55-year-old Spokane man who was convicted of 11 felony counts related to sex trafficking, drug distribution, and illegal firearm possession.

U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Washington

The federal prosecutorial office that handled the case against Stinson.

FBI's Spokane Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Task Force

The law enforcement task force that investigated the case, with assistance from local authorities.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Stinson to appeal his 30-year sentence.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of law enforcement and prosecutors working together to combat the interconnected issues of sex trafficking, drug crimes, and illegal firearms possession, which can have devastating impacts on vulnerable individuals and communities.