U.S. Marshals Apprehend Two Fugitives in Washington State

Newport, WA - The United States Marshals Service (USMS) Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNWVOTF) assisted representatives from the Stevens County Sheriff's Office, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Pend Oreille County Sheriff's Office, and the United States Border Patrol with arresting Kelsey Rodriguez-Howatt and Kenneth Weiss. Howatt, 30, and Weiss, 30, were arrested on felony arrest warrants for Assault of a Child in the Third Degree, VUCSA (Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act) - Delivery of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, and Tampering with a Witness.

It is alleged that Kelsey Rodriguez-Howatt and Kenneth Weiss previously gave one of their 3-year-old’s Fentanyl.

Kelsey Rodriguez-Howatt and Kenneth Weiss have custody of four minor children, ages 3, 3, 7, and 8. The United States Marshals Service worked closely with Child and Family Services to ensure the children's safety and well-being.”

Craig Thayer, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington commented, “The allegations contained in the arrest warrants for these defendants are especially egregious because of the endangerment of minor children.  It is simply unacceptable to risk the life and health of innocent children due to illegal drug activity.  These defendants will now face justice in a court of law.”  

The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or submit a tip at USMS Tips.