Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Seven Charged In Drug Sting; Suspects Have Ties To Bike Gang

Seven people are charged in a federal indictment filed in the biggest drug case in Spokane since the “Doughboy” cocaine investigation three years ago.

The new case involves the seizure of methamphetamine worth more than $200,000 and illegal firearms, authorities said Wednesday.

At least two suspects have ties to the Iron Horsemen, a Stevens County motorcycle gang affiliated with the Hells Angels, authorities said.

Four of those named in the 15-count indictment were arrested last week when agents of the Spokane Regional Drug Task Force raided six homes.

During the investigation, agents seized more than 4 pounds of powdered methamphetamine, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl Hicks.

Agents also seized three illegal sawed-off shotguns, Hicks said.

Jack T. Lamere, 29, Deborah S. Longo, 27, Monica Forrest, 26, and Debra L. Cochran, 29, are each charged with conspiracy, possession and distribution of methamphetamine and use of communication facilities in drug trafficking. They were arrested last week.

Also named in the indictment returned Tuesday are Shannon Green, Richard A. Forrest and Cheryl M. Rogers, whose ages and addresses weren’t immediately available.

Their whereabouts currently aren’t known, and they are being sought by agents of the Spokane Regional Drug Task Force, said task force supervisor Lt. Chan Bailey.

Lamere and Richard Forrest are associated with the Iron Horsemen and both have prior felony convictions, Bailey said.

Bailey said the investigation is the largest in terms of drug seizure and defendants since the Doughboy case.

About three dozen defendants ultimately were convicted in that cocaine investigation. The case dried up cocaine supplies in the region, and many drug users switched to methamphetamine, investigators said.

Hicks said additional suspects may be charged, and firearms-related offenses likely will be sought against some of the defendants.

, DataTimes