Pierce County couple ‘at the top of the drug conspiracy pyramid’ sentenced to prison

A Pierce County couple from Steilacoom was sentenced to prison for their roles in a drug trafficking ring connected to Aryan prison gangs.

Jesse Bailey, 40, was sentenced to 17.5 years in prison, while his wife Candace Bailey was sentenced to five years in prison for their roles as key members in a drug trafficking organization tied to the Aryan Family prison gang, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington Wednesday.

Jesse Bailey pleaded guilty in November 2024 to possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

“It is unimaginable how many drugs were being distributed,” Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo said in a Tacoma courtroom.

He added, “You know the damage it creates, and you are now the one creating that for so many people,” noting that Jesse Bailey grew up with drug-addicted parents.

Drugs seized in arrest of Pierce County couple. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington)

Candace Bailey pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, illegally transferring a firearm to a prohibited person, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, the attorney’s office stated.

Candace Bailey would buy firearms, knowing Jesse Bailey was a previously convicted felon who was prohibited from possessing them, according to court records. She met her husband while she was serving as a guard at the prison where he was being held, according to prosecutors. He was incarcerated on charges of assault in the first degree for shooting at police officers during a high-speed chase.

“Candace Bailey stayed fully informed on her and Jesse Bailey’s joint drug trafficking business, was knowledgeable of Jesse Bailey’s violent tendencies, and was engaged in their negotiations with their partner in drug trafficking,” prosecutors wrote in their sentencing memo. “Candace Bailey made it clear to co-conspirators that she was an equal partner in the venture as well.”

Pierce County couple arrested as part of drug trafficking takedown

In March 2023, the FBI facilitated a drug trafficking takedown, resulting in the arrests of two dozen people and the seizure of 117 firearms, more than 10 kilos of methamphetamine, 11 kilos of fentanyl pills, more than a kilo of fentanyl powder, three kilos of heroin, and more than $330,000 in cash from 18 different locations in Washington and Arizona.

The Baileys were part of the mass arrests, with agents seizing $699,268, dozens of expensive pieces of jewelry, 42 firearms, multiple silencers, body armor, ammunition, scopes, and tripods from their home. The Pierce County couple tried to launder their drug money through casinos and bank accounts.

“Jesse Bailey and his wife Candace worked hand in hand to distribute devastating and dangerous drugs in our community,” Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Miller said via the release. “The Baileys were at the top of the drug conspiracy pyramid, selling multi-pound quantities of meth and fentanyl to heavily armed members of their drug ring. And they too increased the danger by stockpiling firearms, including a fully automatic M4 machine gun.”

Drugs and guns seized in arrest of Pierce County couple. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington)

The investigation was led by the FBI as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation.

“While even small quantities of drugs such as fentanyl can be lethal, this group was poisoning our communities by trafficking in kilogram quantities that could fill up suitcases,” W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, stated via the release. “To all those who might consider following in the Baileys’ footsteps, the consequences imposed today send a clear message: the only thing to be gained from these crimes is time behind bars.”

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