A Tacoma man, Ronnie Griffin, has been sentenced to 75 months in prison for his involvement in a drug distribution ring linked to the Aryan Family prison gang. U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced the sentencing of the 66-year-old who played a significant role in the operation alongside his stepson, Jesse Bailey.
During the investigation, authorities intercepted phone calls between Griffin and Bailey discussing the distribution of large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. Griffin was identified as both a redistributor and confidant within the operation and is noted as a member of the Peckerwoods prison gang.
Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo addressed Griffin at his sentencing, remarking on his extensive criminal history: “You have a terrible history, there’s no doubt about it.”
The investigation into this drug trafficking organization led to substantial seizures over two years, including 223 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 830,000 fentanyl pills, multiple other drugs, $338,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and 48 firearms. During arrests in March 2023 alone, law enforcement confiscated additional drugs and money along with 177 firearms; two were found hidden in a toilet at Griffin's home.
Prosecutors had sought a ten-year sentence for Griffin due to his persistent criminal activities despite previous incarcerations. They detailed his past offenses involving thefts, drug possession charges, and more serious crimes such as identity theft and unlawful possession of weapons.
Griffin pleaded guilty on August 1, 2024, to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. He has been held at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac since March 2023.
He is one of six members sentenced from this drug ring so far. Some members received sentences up to 13 years while others received lesser terms ranging from 20-50 months. Jesse James Bailey pled guilty recently with sentencing set for February next year.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aiming to dismantle high-level traffickers using coordinated efforts across various agencies like the FBI and DEA alongside local law enforcement bodies.
Assistant United States Attorneys Max Shiner and Zach Dillon are prosecuting this case.
