KCHW News Reports

After just five months in the role, U.S. Attorney Richard Barker has stepped down as the top federal prosecutor for Eastern Washington. Barker announced Monday that he will return to private legal practice in Spokane.

Barker previously served as a federal prosecutor and adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law. He joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Washington, D.C., in 2014 before transferring to the Eastern District of Washington in 2019. During his tenure, he prosecuted numerous violent crimes, including homicides and drug trafficking cases in the Spokane area.

According to a news release, Barker was the first U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District to take a case to verdict during his short appointment.

“Serving as a federal prosecutor has been the highlight of my career,” Barker said. “It has been an honor to represent the United States and seek justice for victims and their families.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter will serve as Acting U.S. Attorney. Van Marter has focused on fentanyl education in Spokane and oversees cases involving violent crimes in Indian Country and child exploitation, according to the Department of Justice.

“I’m honored to pass the torch to Acting U.S. Attorney Van Marter,” Barker said. “She will lead this office with honor, integrity, and commitment to justice.”