A Dominican Republic citizen, Santos Castro-Mota, was sentenced on Mar. 12 to eight years in federal prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking organization while serving a state sentence, according to United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address drug trafficking activities that cross state and federal jurisdictions. Castro-Mota will also serve four years of supervised release following his prison term and is set to be deported after completing his sentence.
United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence, noting that Castro-Mota entered the country illegally and continued engaging in drug trafficking despite a prior conviction. "Repeat offenders don’t get a discount; they get an enhancement," Judge Stickman said during sentencing. The judge also stated that Castro-Mota learned “absolutely nothing” from his previous sentence and showed disregard for U.S. laws.
According to information presented in court, a joint investigation under the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program found that Aliquippa drug trafficker Kijana Lowe communicated with Castro-Mota while he was incarcerated at State Correctional Institution Phoenix. Recordings revealed that Lowe ordered kilogram quantities of cocaine from Castro-Mota, who then directed another co-defendant, referred to as “the mechanic,” to deliver the drugs. Lowe would supply these drugs to Anthony Tusweet Smith Jr., who sold them to end users.
In November 2021, investigators observed an attempted delivery of nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine outside a Coraopolis motel and seized over $280,000 intended for the purchase. Search warrants executed on cell phones uncovered communications linking all conspirators, including photographs related to their activities.
Judge Stickman previously sentenced co-defendants Lowe and Smith Jr. to ten years and five years of imprisonment respectively for their roles in the conspiracy. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kara Cotter prosecuted the case. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and Drug Enforcement Administration for their work leading to these convictions.
