Vancouver, Washington man charged federally for distributing fentanyl powder

Seattle - A 26-year-old Vancouver, Washington man appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, following his arrest on a criminal complaint for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. Gregory Clark Bolton III, was arrested by the FBI and Clark County Sheriff's Deputies yesterday, following the investigation of the overdose death of a 60-year-old Vancouver man. Bolton appeared at 2:00 on the first appearance calendar which was held in Seattle today.

According to the criminal complaint, Bolton was arrested back in June 2022 for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. He was charged in state court but absconded after being released on bail. The complaint today charges that drug trafficking activity under federal law.

In January 2024, Bolton again came on the radar of law enforcement after the overdose death of the Vancouver man. Following the death, law enforcement worked with the victim's widow and other confidential informants to trace the source of the fentanyl powder that caused the death. Reviewing cell phone data and surveillance video at the scene of the drug sale they alleged that the powder was sold by Bolton. Bolton was arrested on January 24, 2024, and charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver and possession of a firearm. He was again released on bail and informed that a condition of his release was to have no law violations.

In April 2024, a person working with law enforcement purchased 100 fentanyl pills from Bolton. The drug sale was being surveilled by law enforcement. The purchased pills tested positive for fentanyl on June 11, 2024. Bolton was charged federally by criminal complaint on June 18, 2024, and was arrested June 25, 2024.

Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be merited.

The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Clark County Sheriff's Office and the FBI.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster.