Efren Alexander Aviles-Pacheco, a 29-year-old Mexican national residing illegally in Ontario, Oregon, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit. Senior U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Aviles-Pacheco to serve 10 years of supervised release, noting that he is likely to be deported to Mexico following his sentence.

Aviles-Pacheco was arrested on November 22, 2022, in a motel room in Nampa where he was found with significant quantities of drugs and cash. He pleaded guilty on August 5, 2024. This conviction follows a previous one in 2019 for similar charges after which he was deported but returned to the United States and continued his illegal activities.

Judge Winmill remarked on the severity of the case: “if ever there was a case that screamed out for a long prison sentence, this is the case.” He highlighted Aviles-Pacheco's involvement in incidents leading to overdoses and deaths as well as his illegal possession of firearms.

Aviles-Pacheco's family has been similarly involved in drug trafficking crimes. His father received a 20-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; his mother received time served and supervised release; his grandfather and grandmother were both sentenced for drug distribution; his uncle also received a federal prison sentence; and his sister faces pending charges.

U.S. Attorney Hurwit emphasized the importance of dismantling such networks: “Through his repeated involvement in this longstanding drug trafficking operation in Oregon, this defendant has earned every day of his 15-year sentence.” Special Agent David F. Reames added that repeat offenders like Aviles-Pacheco "richly deserve long prison terms."

The prosecution involved multiple law enforcement agencies including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Nampa Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), High Desert Drug Task Force, with support from Payette County Task Force.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at targeting high-level traffickers using collaborative law enforcement efforts.

An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.