A Honduran national, Jorge Aguilar Martinez, was sentenced on April 21 in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 54 months in prison for his involvement in a major drug transaction and for returning to the United States after being removed, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about fentanyl distribution and illegal reentry into the country. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge James L. Robart said Aguilar Martinez's actions were motivated by financial gain at the expense of a community suffering from fentanyl abuse. "Fentanyl pills have proven to be lethal," Robart said. "It is very easy to get a fentanyl pill that contains a deadly dose."
Court records show that Aguilar Martinez facilitated contact between a drug customer—who was cooperating with law enforcement—and individuals claiming they could supply large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills. After arranging the deal, Aguilar Martinez and two coconspirators were arrested with approximately 28 pounds of methamphetamine and 10,000 fentanyl pills; some of the drugs were hidden inside cereal boxes.
Prosecutors requested a five-year sentence, stating: "(T)he drug crisis is one of the most significant challenges faced within this District and nationwide. Aguilar Martinez’s conduct as a drug trafficker, particularly trafficking the quantities in this case, is not only extremely serious, but also demonstrates total lack of respect for the law. More significantly, it evinces a callous disregard for the wellbeing or safety of others. Although Aguilar Martinez has no other drug convictions, he has been arrested on several prior occasions for drug trafficking behavior." Judge Robart noted that after being removed from the country in 2024, Aguilar Martinez returned almost immediately.
Following his prison term, Aguilar Martinez will be subject to four years of supervised release if he returns again; removal proceedings are expected after incarceration.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with prosecution led by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlotte Storey from the U.S Postal Inspection Service.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S Attorney for the Western District of Washington promotes community safety through programs addressing gun violence and online threats according to its official website. The office operates out of Seattle and Tacoma according to its official website, is part of the Department of Justice according to its official website, includes about 85 attorneys with around 70 support staff according to its official website, handles federal prosecutions as well as civil litigation according to its official website, covers areas including Seattle and Tacoma according to its official website, enforces federal criminal laws while providing legal counsel and protecting civil rights—and leads federal drug court programs staffed by more than 150 people according to its official website.
