Jose Bautista Andrade, a 46-year-old Mexican national, has been sentenced to federal prison for fentanyl trafficking. Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced the sentence of 132 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian delivered the sentence after Andrade pleaded guilty.
Court documents and information from the sentencing hearing revealed that Andrade worked for a drug dealer based in Mexico. He made regular trips to California to collect drugs, which he stored at his home and storage units in Yakima before distributing them to customers in Western Washington.
In late 2023, the FBI conducted two controlled purchases totaling four pounds of methamphetamine from Andrade at Tacoma Mall. On February 6, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at his residence and storage unit, uncovering nearly five pounds of fentanyl pills, approximately 84 pounds of methamphetamine, and four firearms.
Chief Judge Bastian highlighted the significant quantity of drugs involved and identified Andrade as a major figure in the trafficking operation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Seal for his role in securing the conviction: “Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Seal did an outstanding job bringing this case to a successful resolution.” Barker emphasized the importance of prosecuting such cases due to their impact on community health and safety.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office, remarked on the dangers posed by even small quantities of fentanyl: “Even in small quantities, fentanyl and other dangerous drugs can kill.” He praised investigators for making Yakima safer by removing Andrade from circulation.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office and Thurston County Narcotics Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Seal.
