Gabriela Abundiz, 45, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian handed down the sentence, which will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
Court documents reveal that Abundiz was previously convicted of selling drugs in Montana in 2017 and served a 70-month prison term. During her supervised release for that conviction, she was found dealing drugs again in the Eastern District of Washington, leading to a warrant for her arrest.
On April 2, 2024, officers from the Omak Police Department (OPD) observed Abundiz entering an apartment. They obtained a warrant to enter and arrest her. Inside, they discovered two backpacks containing methamphetamine, 2,649 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, marijuana, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia. Abundiz also possessed two cellphones with images of cash and text conversations about illegal drugs.
“Ms. Abundiz returned to drug trafficking even while under federal supervision for a prior conviction,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Her continued criminal conduct...posed a serious threat to the safety and health of Eastern Washington communities.”
David F. Reames from the DEA Seattle Field Division remarked on the case: “DEA’s core mission is to protect Americans from drug traffickers like Ms. Abundiz... Despite serving a lengthy prison term...ultimately paid a heavy price for continuing her wicked ways.”
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omak Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy.
