Corrections officer sentenced to 60 months for drug charges
STAFF REPORT | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years AGO
RICHLAND — United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Leticia Rodriguez, 44, to 60 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine, according to a Monday announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The official charge is Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl, and 5 Kilograms or More of Cocaine, said the announcement. Rodriguez will also serve five years of federal supervision after she is released from federal custody.
Assistant Special Agent in Charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration Spokane District Office Ronald A. Deist commented on the case in the announcement.
“This case demonstrates how corrosive drug trafficking, and specifically fentanyl, has become in society. This makes DEA and our federal, state and local partners’ obligation to confront its corrupting influence on our communities even more vital.”
The announcements stated that according to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Rodriguez was part of a large drug trafficking organization that involved a legitimate landscaping business to cover up the organization’s drug trafficking activities.
Investigators developed information that Rodriguez would act as a courier for cocaine, fentanyl and methamphetamine as well as large amounts of money between Eastern Washington, Arizona and California, according to the statement. She was arrested at the Walla Walla State Penitentiary, where she worked as a corrections officer.
“Ms. Rodriguez violated the trust of the public she had been sworn to serve,” said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa R. Waldref in the announcement. “Her criminal conduct undermines the respect many of our law enforcement officials earn on a day-to-day basis. Our community must remain confident that no one is above the law.”
According to the announcement, this case was investigated by the DEA Drug Task Force, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Walla Walla Federal Penitentiary, Walla Walla Police Department, Metro Drug Task Force and the Milton-Freewater Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.
ARTICLES BY STAFF REPORT
Connell woman killed in Booker Road crash
CONNELL — Charges are pending against a Kennewick man following a collision about 12 miles south of Othello that killed a Connell woman and injured three other people Tuesday evening. A Washington State Patrol press memo said intoxicating substances were a factor. Jessica Zarate, 37, Connell, was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the intersection of SR 17 and South Booker Road, the WSP memo said. She was driving south on Booker Road approaching the intersection when her car was hit by a pickup driven by John Reiss, 62, Kennewick. Edgar Garcia Quirino, 28, Othello, was driving north on SR 17 and ran into Zarate's car, the WSP memo said. The crash occurred at about 6:40 p.m.
Wheeler Road closed because of traffic collision
UPDATE: The road was reopened as of noon, according to a GCSO media release. MOSES LAKE — Grant County Sheriff’s Office has announced there is a road closure between Road 3-NE and Road S-NE. There was a serious traffic collision. GCSO is asking for drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Doors opening: The Currents will provide homeownership for more local workers
About 104 homes are planned at the former Atlas sawmill site
Teachers, nurses, firefighters and other workers who keep Coeur d’Alene running will soon have more places to buy a home in the community where they work. About 104 homes are being planned to be built at Atlas Waterfront, on roughly 10 acres that are part of a swath of land that was once home to the Atlas sawmill and is being redeveloped. Ignite CDA, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s urban renewal agency, is leading this effort.