Rainier Beach Principal Interviewed by FBI Regarding Ties to Jackson Drug Trafficking Org
Feds say the RBHS leader is now a likely witness in the sweeping federal drug & weapons case after she discussed, among other things, sending money to an indicted trafficker on behalf of her sister
SEATTLE — Federal investigators recently interviewed Rainier Beach High School (RBHS) Principal Annie Patu regarding her connections to a multi-state drug trafficking organization (DTO) that flooded the Pacific Northwest with fentanyl and weapons, J425 can exclusively report.
Court documents recently unsealed in the Western District of Washington reveal that Patu, the leader of one of Seattle’s most prominent high schools, is now considered a likely witness in the federal prosecution of her sister, Matelita “Marty” Jackson, and her brother-in-law, Mandel Jackson. Patu’s niece and two nephews are also indicted.
The FBI interview and associated court filings provide a window into an intersection of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) leadership and the indicted members of a multi-state criminal enterprise.1
Transcripts obtained by J425 reveal that Patu, an educational leader and mandatory reporter, provided information to federal investigators revealing that she was aware of significant criminal red flags within her immediate family at the same time she was simultaneously integrating family members into the Rainier Beach High School ecosystem.
Specifically, during what’s described as a “consensual interview” with federal agents, Patu made several admissions linking her to the peripheries of the Jackson DTO’s operations.
Quoting United States Attorney Michael Harder:
“The FBI interview, however, did not assuage the government’s concerns. To the contrary, Annie’s answers confirmed that she is a likely witness in this case. For example, Annie knew that defendant Marquis Jackson (the leader of this drug organization and Matelita’s son) was involved with gangs; Annie knew about a
