EVERETT — A convicted felon with a flare for violence could be facing another stretch in prison.
Snohomish County prosecutors have filed a dozen new charges against John Charles Keinath. The Marysville man was arrested last month by a SWAT team during an investigation into guns and drugs.
Keinath, known on the street as “Flare,” is accused of supplying addicts with heroin and methamphetamine in exchange for stolen property, including assault rifles, shotguns and pistols.
One of Keinath’s customers told detectives that up to 100 people a day came to the defendant’s house to buy heroin and methamphetamine and to trade stolen property, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Lisa Paul wrote in charging papers.
Keinath, 44, was arrested at his ex-girlfriend’s house on the Tulalip Indian Reservation. He and his current girlfriend were sitting on a bed with drugs between them when police raided the house, court papers said.
Detectives found a stolen gun in a safe along with more drugs. They found a stolen handgun in a backpack near the bed. They searched four cars in the driveway. Keinath’s Honda Element held nine guns, most of them stolen from a storage locker. There were multiple stolen laptops in the car, including one that was taken while the homeowners were at a funeral.
Keinath initially denied knowing anything about the stolen guns. He later allegedly admitted that he was in the business of trading stolen property and selling drugs, Paul wrote.
He reportedly admitted to picking up pounds of heroin and meth from dealers.
Detectives later searched Keinath’s storage locker and found stolen electronics and at least one gun.
Keinath is charged with illegal gun possession, trafficking in stolen property and drug dealing. He as being held on $1.5 million bail.
There is a possibility the case against Keinath could move to federal court, Paul wrote.
Keinath’s last stint in prison was in 2013 after he was convicted of driving a motorcycle more than 100 mph on Highway 9 to escape deputies. The manhunt started in Lake Stevens and included two helicopters. His rap sheet also includes convictions for assaults and a drive-by shooting.
He was convicted in 2010 of harassment after threatening to kill a nurse who thought he was joking about wanting to name his newborn son after mob boss, John Gotti.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
