A woman from Pierce County has been sentenced to 84 months in prison for her involvement in a drug ring linked to Aryan prison gangs, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. C’La Morales, aged 39, was arrested following an investigation into three connected drug distribution organizations operating inside and outside state prisons. Morales was a key associate of Jesse Bailey, the leader of one distribution ring, who has admitted guilt to charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms related to drug trafficking.
During the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge David Estudillo remarked on Morales' responsibility in distributing large quantities of drugs, stating, “You took on the responsibility to distribute large quantities of controlled substances. You had to know those were going to … lead to addiction and wreak havoc for those individuals and their families, friends, and loved ones.”
Court records indicate that Morales was involved in trafficking fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine while possessing multiple firearms. Wiretap evidence showed she distributed significant amounts of heroin and fentanyl pills. Law enforcement discovered firearms and drugs during searches of her storage locker and vehicle.
Prosecutors requested a ten-year sentence due to Morales' history with drug trafficking while armed. They expressed concerns about her potential return to criminal activities despite her addiction issues.
Following her prison term, Morales will undergo five years of supervised release. Her case is part of a larger investigation into South Sound-based drug rings that led to numerous arrests on March 22, 2023. This operation involved over 350 officers who seized substantial quantities of drugs and firearms across Washington and Arizona.
Jesse Bailey's sentencing is set for May 16, 2025, followed by his wife Candace Bailey on June 13, 2025.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative involving multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, HSI, Tacoma Police Department among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Zach Dillon, Max Shiner, and Jehiel Baer are prosecuting the case.
