SPOKANE, Wash. — A 52-year-old Othello man pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute over 40 grams of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
According to court documents, in Oct. 2022 the Adams County Sheriff’s Office received information that Jaime Alberto Garza, 52, was distributing large amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the community.
A search warrant was executed at Garza’s trailer where law enforcement found approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills, several ounces of methamphetamine, digital scales, 2 firearms and ammunition.
Law enforcement arrested Garza after a high-risk vehicle stop and executed a search warrant on his Jeep. Inside, investigators found a loaded Colt .45 firearm that was determined to be stolen, .45 caliber ammunition, 50 fentanyl-laced pills, two plastic bags containing methamphetamine and a bag of marijuana.
Prior to this incident, Garza had a significant criminal history which included acts of violence and drug trafficking offenses.
“Mr. Garza was trafficking a large amount of deadly fentanyl and other illegal narcotics in this small community. By partnering with state law enforcement, we were able to apprehend a dangerous and habitual offender, successfully pursue federal charges, and help make that community safer and stronger today,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref.
In Jan. 2024, Jaime Garza was sentenced to six and a half years in prison with five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to “possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.”
This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
