SPOKANE, Wash. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the City of Spokane have appointed a dedicated federal prosecutor to tackle illegal narcotics cases specifically impacting the city.
Annika Tangvald has been named Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker swore Tangvald into office on May 19, 2025.
“We see the impact of fentanyl and other drugs in almost every case we prosecute,” Barker said. “Having a dedicated prosecutor for these cases allows the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring more cases specifically focused on the City of Spokane.”
“The City of Spokane Prosecutor’s Office is committed to a multi-prong approach to end the fentanyl epidemic our community faces,” said City Prosecutor Justin Bingham. “Partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office will greatly strengthen our current efforts to hold drug-related offenders accountable.”
Mayor Lisa Brown said the appointment addresses a critical need.
“Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tangvald will help fill a critical gap in our system,” Brown said. “With dedicated resources and sharper focus, this move will protect our community, hold traffickers accountable, and ultimately save lives.”
Tangvald, a Spokane native, has served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Spokane County since 2023. She graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law.
“I am honored to be returning to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and to serve in this unique role,” Tangvald said. “Becoming a federal prosecutor has been a dream of mine.”
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