Spokane, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that Jaime Alberto Garza, 52, of Othello, Washington, was sentenced after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 Grams or More of a Mixture or Substance Containing a Detectable Amount of Fentanyl. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice imposed a sentence of 78 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents and information provided at sentencing, in October of 2022, the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received information that Garza was distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the community of Othello. A short time later, a search warrant was executed at Garza’s trailer. Law enforcement sized approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, several ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, 2 firearms, and a volume of ammunition.
Law enforcement arrested Garza during a high-risk vehicle stop and executed a search warrant on his jeep. Investigators located a loaded Colt .45 firearm that was determined to be stolen, .45 caliber ammunition, 50 fentanyl-laced pills, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine, and a bag of marijuana. Garza has a significant criminal history which included prior acts violence and drug trafficking offenses.
“Mr. Garza was trafficking a large amount of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics in this small community. By partnering with state law enforcement, we were able to apprehend a dangerous and habitual offender, successfully pursue federal charges, and help make that community safer and stronger today,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “My office is committed to working with federal, state and local law enforcement to put a stop to anyone who pumps this poison into Eastern Washington.”
“The Drug Enforcement Administration is committed to confronting fentanyl traffickers wherever they may try to sell their misery and death,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Mr. Garza chose to prey on his small community and this sentence holds him accountable for these actions. We appreciate our partnership with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Attorney as we work together to make our community safer.”
This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.