Washington Pastor Serves Time for Drug Trafficking

Pastor was an advocate for addiction recovery—and a supplier to those he was supposed to help

MinistryWatch earlier reported on a Seattle pastor arrested for living a “double life” as an addiction recovery advocate and a high-level drug dealer.

A year later, Steve E. Parker, 58, is serving a sentence in a Washington penitentiary.

The arrest, in January of last year, followed a three-month investigation, during which undercover cops conducted controlled drug deals with Parker, leading to accusations that he was operating a drug ring.

Despite his public persona as a pastor and advocate for addiction recovery, Parker faced charges of possessing and distributing cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and fake fentanyl.

According to court documents, Parker had admitted to having two homes and a double life. In one town, residents knew him as a pastor who was a loving grandfather, loved weddings, and helped the needy. There, he lived with his wife, mother-in-law, and approximately 14 registered sex offenders.

But ten miles southwest on the Tulalip Reservation, Parker had a girlfriend and ran a drug trafficking enterprise. Parker told deputies he resupplied his drugs three to four times a week from several suppliers spread over three counties.

Parker’s seven-bedroom house, which he shared with 16 others, was sold three months following his arrest.

Parker was also listed as an officer for The Nest Ministries and Omni-Mana Services, which claimed to assist those battling addiction. Prosecutors alleged that he used his positions to build his drug ventures and supplied his clients with the very drugs they were struggling to recover from.

Court documents say Parker boasted about being a skilled drug dealer, claiming he was “good at business” and his drug peddling provided him with an income.

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While incarcerated, Parker reportedly continued his illegal activities, managing his drug ring through coded conversations. According to phone records in court filings, Parker was in jail when he instructed his associates to assist his girlfriend in delivering “pizzas.”

He reportedly discussed getting a good deal, informing them that his girlfriend would deliver for $3 rather than $6 or $7.

The NPI register still identifies Parker as a national provider for drug use disorders and rehabilitation.

In July, Parker pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges, including possession with intent to deliver, conspiracy, money laundering, and possession of a stolen firearm.

On August 3, 2023, Judge Thomas Verge sentenced Parker to four and a half years in prison.

Parker signed his judgment papers as “Rev. Steve Parker.”

He is currently serving time at the Cedar Creek Corrections Center.

Main photo: Steve Parker / Sisco Heights Community Church / Instagram