Seattle City Wire

A former King County Jail guard has been sentenced to over eight years in prison for accepting bribes and distributing narcotics within the facility. Mosses Ramos, aged 40 from Milton, Washington, received a 102-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez at a hearing in Seattle's U.S. District Court.

U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentencing, stating that Ramos had jeopardized the safety of his colleagues and inmates by smuggling drugs into the jail. "Corrections officers are critical for operating safe, humane, and secure detention facilities," said Gorman.

Court records indicate that between March and May 2023, Ramos accepted a $5,000 bribe to bring methamphetamine and fentanyl pills into the jail for inmates Michael Anthony Barquet and Francisco Montero. Both inmates remain incarcerated with pending trials on various charges.

Three alleged associates of the inmates have pleaded guilty in connection with this case: Neca Silvestre of Kent, Katrina Cazares of Burien, and Kayara Zepeda Montero of Seattle.

Assistant United States Attorney Cindy Chang emphasized Ramos' history of abusing his authority during her request for a ten-year sentence. She noted his actions included introducing contraband into the facility and allowing inmate assaults.

Kelly M. Smith from FBI Seattle highlighted the importance of trust within community impact, expressing gratitude for collaboration with local law enforcement agencies involved in holding public servants accountable.

King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall expressed commitment to preventing drug infiltration in jails and acknowledged their role in assisting the Department of Justice's investigation.

The case was investigated by the FBI alongside the King County Sheriff's Office with prosecutorial efforts led by Assistant United States Attorneys Cindy Chang and Vince Lombardi.