Charges: Arlington drug trafficker masqueraded as a pastor

ARLINGTON — Claiming he was a pastor, an Arlington man led a business helping people with addiction get housing and jobs.

Meanwhile, that man, Steve Parker, was a high-level drug trafficker dealing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and meth, prosecutors alleged this month.

Parker, 57, faces seven felony charges in Skagit County Superior Court, four for possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, one for conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance, one for money laundering and another for maintaining a vehicle or building for drug trafficking.

Online, Parker lists himself as an officer of both Nest Ministries and Omni-Mana Services, according to the charges filed Jan. 20. State filings show “Rev Steve Parker” is the head of Omni-Mana. Nest Ministries is inactive.

“Omni Mana helps people who have had substance abuse or mental health issues find employment,” an online resource to connect people with medical help reports. “Helps those with felonies as well.”

Both nonprofits are reportedly run out of a building on Olympic Avenue in downtown Arlington. Calls to Nest Ministries and Omni Manna Services on Monday were not answered.

Skagit County drug squad detectives learned Parker has two homes, one on Highway 530 between Arlington and Darrington and another in Tulalip. Sources told them he dealt drugs in Snohomish, Skagit and Whatcom counties.

Investigators conducted several undercover drug deals with Parker, according to court papers.

While he was driving Jan. 19 in Mount Vernon, police arrested Parker. He had about 2 ounces of fentanyl powder and a loaded handgun, according to the charges.

After obtaining a search warrant for Parker’s car, detectives found 2.7 pounds of meth, over 2,000 counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, another ounce of fentanyl, and cocaine, prosecutors allege. They also found scales and other equipment often used for drug distribution.

In a police interview, the Arlington man reportedly acknowledged having the drugs. He reported knowing fentanyl is very dangerous. Out of at least 345 people who died of drug overdoses in Snohomish County last year, 141 had fentanyl in their system, according to the medical examiner’s office. Parker told investigators he’d even used Narcan to help someone overdosing in the past.

Parker told police he leads a double life, with the Tulalip house being where he conducts his drug business, according to court documents. When police served a search warrant there, other people fled from the house and hid from authorities. Meanwhile, the Highway 530 house is where he lived with his wife. His family reportedly didn’t know about his alleged drug activities.

Between the two homes, detectives reported gathering 30 guns.

Parker also told police he resupplies his drugs with multiple suppliers three or four times per week, according to police.

He reportedly bragged about being a good drug dealer. He acknowledged drugs were a source of his income. He had several cars, including a Mercedes, that he put in other people’s names, according to the charges.

Since his Jan. 19 arrest, Parker has remained in the Skagit County Jail with bail set at $750,000.

His arraignment is set for Thursday.

Jake Goldstein-Street: 425-339-3439; jake.goldstein-street@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @GoldsteinStreet.