Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker has confirmed that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Leonardo Daniel Martinez, 32, of Pasco, Washington, to serve more than 10 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl. The sentence includes 125 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release.
The sentencing follows an incident on May 20, 2022, when officers from the Richland Police Department (RPD) were called to a domestic disturbance involving Martinez. Despite being instructed to leave the premises, Martinez resisted and attempted to assault a police officer. During his arrest, a 9mm handgun was discovered on his person, a violation given his previous criminal history, including a domestic violence conviction.
Subsequent searches of Martinez’s dark blue BMW revealed additional contraband. Officers discovered another handgun, 10,179 fentanyl pills, $72,354 in cash, a small amount of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and three cell phones.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker expressed concerns about the connection between domestic violence and firearm-related crimes in Eastern Washington and the Tri-Cities area. He stated, “Domestic violence offenders are far more likely to engage in intimate partner violence as well as violence directed at law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls.” He highlighted the increased danger when offenders have access to illegal narcotics, acknowledging the efforts of the DEA and Richland Police Department in tackling drug-related issues in the community.
David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Seattle Field Division, commented on the case, stating, "Mr. Martinez disregarded the safety of those around him by engaging in domestic violence, attempting to assault a police officer, carrying a handgun, and possessing enough fentanyl to potentially kill almost 6,000 people." He noted the increased community safety following Martinez’s sentencing and recognized the collaborative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland Police Department with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland Police Department. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Van Marter and Brandon L. Pang.
