Chief U.S. District Judge Stanley Bastian on May 11 sentenced 59-year-old Reymundo Garcia of Ephrata, Washington, to 11 years and 5 months in prison and 5 years of court supervision after he is released from federal prison for his participation in a drug conspiracy.
According to a news release shared by the Department of Justice, in 2021, the defendant pleaded guilty to participating in a scheme to distribute at least 50 grams of pure methamphetamine. As part of his plea agreement, the defendant also agreed that he would relinquish any interest in his Washington ranch, which he used for drug trafficking by providing a location for both drug trafficking and active drug use.
“[This] sentence takes a serious, recidivist drug trafficker off the streets and sends a clear message to others who might choose to engage in similar activity," said U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref, according to the release. "We are committed to ensuring a safe and strong Eastern Washington community, and this kind of conduct will be ferreted out, investigated, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to the release, Garcia was part of a drug trafficking organization that operates out of Moses Lake, Washington, and Grant County. During the investigation law enforcement officers discovered several pounds of methamphetamine, hundreds of fentanyl laced pills and heroin. plus firearms and ammunition that had been stolen.
The release states that Garcia participated in serious drug dealing conduct after already being convicted for two prior instances of drug trafficking and firearms possession.
“By using his residence to facilitate drug trafficking and his prior offenses, Mr. Garcia has shown that his criminal activity is part of a long-term lifestyle,” said special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office Donald Voiret, according to the release. “The FBI commends the work of our investigating and prosecuting partners to protect our neighborhoods for law-abiding citizens and remove these dangerous drugs from our communities.”
