On February 10, 2025, Santiago Rojas-Rangel, a 51-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The sentencing was handed down by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke in Yakima, Washington. In addition to the prison term, Rojas-Rangel will serve five years of supervised release. During the sentencing, Judge Dimke remarked on Rojas-Rangel’s “complete and utter lack of respect for the law in this country.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) began investigating Rojas-Rangel in early 2024 after receiving information about his involvement in methamphetamine sales around Yakima. Between February and May of that year, DEA agents conducted several controlled purchases from him totaling approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine.

Rojas-Rangel's criminal history includes a conviction in December 2019 for two counts of delivery of methamphetamine related to offenses committed in 2016. He was sentenced to just over three and a half years for those crimes. Despite having been deported previously, he illegally re-entered the United States and continued drug trafficking activities.

Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker emphasized the commitment to prosecuting repeat drug offenders: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of dangerous repeat drug offenders.” He added that Rojas-Rangel distributed large quantities of methamphetamine into the Yakima community after entering the country illegally.

David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge at the DEA Seattle Field Division, commented on the impact of methamphetamine traffickers: “Methamphetamine traffickers prey on their communities for profit.” He noted that accountability is crucial for repeat offenders like Rojas-Rangel.

The investigation was carried out by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.