The leader of a violent home invasion crew that targeted Washington families based on social media posts has pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy involving robbery, kidnapping, and murder, U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd announced Monday.
Christopher Johnson, 24, admitted his role in a series of armed home invasions in 2022. He faces up to life in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on May 6, 2026, though both prosecution and defense will recommend a 25-year term.
Johnson and his codefendant, Kevin Thissel, 29, orchestrated a pattern of violent crimes. The crew dressed in black and posed as police, invading homes at night and restraining victims, including children as young as nine, with zip-ties.
Each member had a specific role: identifying potential victims based on social media posts about wealth or collections; surveilling target homes; serving as a driver; kicking in doors; corralling families; holding victims at gunpoint; and ransacking homes for valuables. Prosecutors confirmed some crew members were juveniles.
The crew stole valuables and, in one incident, shot and killed Irah Sok, a young mother, as her 7-year-old child lay beside her. The crimes admitted in Johnson’s plea include incidents in Mount Vernon, Mercer Island, Kent, Burien, and Everett between May and August 2022.
Johnson will also plead guilty to second-degree murder in Snohomish County Superior Court for killing Sok, with both sides recommending a concurrent 25-year sentence. He has requested to serve his sentence in the Washington State Prison system, though Judge King will decide.
The case remains under investigation by the FBI with assistance from Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Kent Police Department, and King County Sheriff’s Office.
