Two members of Mexico connected drug trafficking group sentenced to prison

Seattle – Two members of a drug trafficking ring with ties to Mexico were sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Jose Rodolfo Aguilar Cortes, 23, of Federal Way, Washington, was sentenced to five years in prison and Alex Ortiz, 21, of Auburn, Washington was sentenced to 20 months in prison. At Ortiz’ sentencing U.S. District Judge Kymberly K. Evanson said, “This is a serious offense involving dangerous drugs and a significant number of guns.”

According to records filed in the case, both men were involved with a drug trafficking ring bringing significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to Western Washington for distribution. Cortes was indicted for a seizure of 14 kilos of cocaine on March 24, 2024, in Lewis County. Cortes was identified as one of the drivers of cars bringing drugs to the northwest from California. Over the course of the investigation, total seizures included the recovery of approximately 81 kilograms of methamphetamine, 49 kilograms of fentanyl pills, 15 kilograms of cocaine, and three pounds of marijuana. Cortes was sentenced to four years of supervised release following prison but will likely be deported following his prison term. He is a citizen of Mexico.

Alex Ortiz served as stash house operator for the drug ring. He lived with his cousin who is also indicted in the case. Ortiz followed instructions about delivering drugs and receiving cash to and from various drug ring members. When search warrants were executed on May 14, 2024, at the home Ortiz shared with his cousin, investigators seized approximately $5,920 in U.S. currency, eight firearms, fourteen rounds of ammunition, and six magazines in various rooms throughout the residence. Ortiz was sentenced to five years of supervised release to follow his 20-month prison term. Judge Evanson recommended the residential drug treatment program for Ortiz while he is incarcerated.

In all, 15 defendants have been charged for participating in this drug ring. Two other defendants have pleaded guilty and been sentenced to five years in prison.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), FBI, Seattle Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Oregon State Police, Portland Police Department, California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Strike Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Centralia Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Elyne Vaught.